Milia are tiny, firm, white or yellowish bumps that commonly appear around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and sometimes the forehead. They can look like small whiteheads, but they are not ordinary pimples and usually cannot be squeezed out like acne.
Although milia are generally harmless, they can be frustrating, especially when they appear in noticeable areas of the face. The good news is that many cases eventually disappear on their own, and there are safe ways to help prevent new ones from developing.
Milia are small cysts containing keratin, a protein naturally found in the skin. They form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Despite sometimes being called “fat cysts,” milia are not actually deposits of fat.
Why Do Milia Appear?
Milia can develop for several reasons. Sometimes they occur without an obvious cause, particularly in babies and young children. In adults, they can be associated with skin irritation, sun damage, injuries, burns, or certain skin conditions.
Heavy skincare or cosmetic products may also contribute to clogged pores and trapped skin debris in some people, although milia are not simply caused by poor hygiene.
Another important factor is sun exposure. Long-term UV exposure can contribute to changes in the skin that make milia more likely to develop.
Don’t Try to Squeeze Them
One of the biggest mistakes people make is treating milia like pimples.
Trying to squeeze, scratch, or pick at them can injure the surrounding skin and potentially cause inflammation, infection, scarring, or dark marks.
This is especially important around the eyes, where the skin is delicate.
If a bump has been present for a long time and doesn’t respond to gentle skincare, professional removal is usually safer than trying to extract it yourself.
How Dermatologists Remove Milia
See more on the next page