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Tiny white or yellow bumps just under the skin’s surface, usually around the eyes and cheeks. Harmless and firm.
Lumps & Bumps

Milia

Milia are small, white or yellowish bumps that appear just under the skin. They are cysts filled with keratin, the protein that makes up hair, nails, and skin. While harmless, milia can be cosmetically concerning and may appear on the face, especially around the eyes, nose, and cheeks, and other parts of the body.

  • Small white cysts
  • Common & harmless
  • Treatable
  • No referral needed
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Overview

What are milia?

Milia are tiny, firm cysts that form when skin cells or keratin become trapped beneath the surface of the skin. They are usually 1–2 mm in diameter and are painless, non-itchy, and dome-shaped.

Types of milia:

  • Neonatal milia: Affect up to 50% of newborns, often appearing on the nose, cheeks, or forehead. They typically resolve within 2–4 weeks without treatment.
  • Primary milia: Appear spontaneously in children or adults, usually on the face.
  • Secondary milia: Develop after skin trauma, burns, blistering, rashes, cosmetic procedures, or prolonged sun exposure.
  • Multiple eruptive milia: Rare cases where numerous cysts appear suddenly, often associated with certain medications or systemic conditions.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the signs of milia?

Milia are small, firm bumps that do not cause pain or discomfort. Key features include:

  • White or yellowish colour
  • Dome-shaped and smooth surface
  • Usually 1–2 mm in size
  • Often grouped in clusters, especially around the eyes, cheeks, and nose

What causes milia?

Milia form when keratin, a protein naturally found in the skin, becomes trapped under the outer layer of skin. Factors that contribute include:

  • Blocked skin pores: Dead skin cells or keratin accumulate and form cysts.
  • Skin trauma: Burns, blisters, rashes, cosmetic treatments, or injuries can trigger secondary milia.
  • Sun damage: Chronic exposure to UV rays may increase the risk.
  • Age-related skin changes: Slower skin cell turnover in older adults can cause milia.
  • Genetic predisposition: Rarely, some people are more prone to recurrent milia.
  • Certain medications: Drugs such as long-term corticosteroids may trigger cyst formation.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis and Tests

Milia are typically diagnosed through a visual examination. A GP or dermatologist can usually identify them by considering their size, shape, texture, and location.

Additional tests may include:

  • Dermatoscopy: Uses a magnifying device to examine the cysts in detail.
  • Skin biopsy: Occasionally performed if diagnosis is unclear or to rule out other conditions such as whiteheads, syringomas, or basal cell carcinoma.
  • HPV or viral testing: Rarely used, mainly if cysts are atypical or associated with other skin lesions.

Management and Treatment

Do milia need treatment?

Most milia, especially in infants, resolve spontaneously without intervention. Adults may seek treatment for cosmetic reasons or if the cysts persist.

Treatment options

  • Topical retinoids: Creams that increase skin cell turnover, helping milia gradually resolve over several weeks.
  • Mechanical extraction: A dermatologist can safely remove milia using a sterile needle or blade, reducing risk of scarring.
  • Cryotherapy or laser therapy: Rarely used for multiple or persistent lesions; they destroy cysts with minimal skin damage.
  • Chemical peels: Promote natural skin exfoliation and may prevent new milia.
  • Gentle skincare: Avoid harsh scrubs, abrasive treatments, or squeezing the cysts to prevent infection and scarring.

Aftercare

Keep the area clean and moisturised, use sunscreen on treated areas to prevent UV-related recurrence, and avoid picking or scratching the cysts.

Milia Treatment
Personalised options to slow hair loss and encourage regrowth
From £195
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Outlook/Prognosis

Outlook and prognosis

Milia generally have an excellent outlook. In infants, they often clear on their own within a few weeks without any treatment. In adults, they may persist longer but can be safely and effectively removed by a dermatologist. When underlying factors, such as skin trauma or blocked pores, are addressed, recurrence is uncommon.

Prevention

Prevention

While not all milia can be prevented, these strategies can reduce the risk:

  • Maintain a gentle skincare routine with non-comedogenic products.
  • Protect skin from sun exposure using SPF and protective clothing.
  • Treat skin injuries promptly to prevent secondary milia.
  • Limit use of heavy creams or oils that can clog pores.
  • Attend regular dermatology check-ups for persistent or recurrent milia.
Reviewed by
Dr Pankaj Patel
Dr Pankaj Patel

Consultant Plastic Surgeon

  • MBBS
  • FRCS (Plast)
  • MSc
At a glance
Condition type
Small skin cysts
Main cause
Trapped keratin
Common areas
Face & around eyes
Progression
Usually persistent
Treatment
Professional removal
Recurrence
Possible

Dealing With Milia?

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Conditions
View all conditions
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Struggling With Milia?

If you have milia that won’t go away or keep returning, seek professional advice. Aventus Clinic offers a free online skin assessment to explore suitable management options for smoother, healthier skin.

Book a Free Assessment