Milia - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
By ScanSkinAI Editorial Team✓ Reviewed for medical safetyLast updated June 2026
Small, white bumps that appear on the skin, typically on the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks. They form when keratin becomes trapped under the skin. Common in newborns but can occur at any age.
Concerned this might be milia? Scan it with our AI skin checker for instant analysis, or use our AI mole checker for pigmented lesions. Browse all 80+ skin conditions in our directory.
Quick Answer
Milia are tiny, hard white bumps that commonly appear on the face, especially around the eyes and cheeks. They happen when a skin protein called keratin gets trapped just beneath the surface, forming miniature cysts. Unlike pimples, they cannot be squeezed or popped. While very common in newborns and harmless at any age, adult milia can sometimes be persistent. They are completely benign and do not turn into cancer, but a dermatologist can safely remove them if they bother you cosmetically.
Clinical Context
Milia are small, benign keratin-filled cysts. Primary milia occur spontaneously, while secondary milia develop after skin damage (burns, blisters, dermabrasion). Neonatal milia affect up to 50% of newborns and resolve spontaneously within weeks. Adult milia are more persistent and may require treatment for cosmetic reasons. They have no malignant potential and cause no symptoms beyond their appearance.
Symptoms
- Small, white or yellowish bumps
- 1-2 mm in size
- Hard, dome-shaped
- Usually around eyes and cheeks
- Painless
- Don't pop like pimples
- May be solitary or clustered
Severity & Progression
Causes & Risk Factors
- Trapped keratin beneath skin surface
- Skin damage (burns, blistering, dermabrasion)
- Sun damage (chronic UV exposure)
- Heavy occlusive creams blocking pores
- Steroid creams (prolonged use)
- Genetic factors in some cases
May Be Confused With
This condition can look similar to other skin conditions. A healthcare professional can help distinguish between them.
Treatment & Management
Neonatal milia require no treatment and resolve within weeks. Adult milia are treated with manual extraction - a sterile needle or blade creates a tiny opening to express the keratin plug. This should only be done by trained professionals, especially near eyes. Topical retinoids help prevent new milia by promoting cell turnover. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion can treat widespread milia. At-home attempts to squeeze milia are ineffective and can cause scarring or infection.
- No treatment needed for infants (resolves spontaneously)
- Professional extraction (incision and expression)
- Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene)
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Avoid heavy occlusive creams
- Never squeeze or pick at home
Red Flags & Complications
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Scarring if improperly extracted
- Infection if picked at home
- Cosmetic concern, especially around eyes
- New milia may form if underlying cause not addressed
Self-Care Tips
- Don't attempt to squeeze or pop milia
- Use non-comedogenic, lightweight skincare products
- Gentle exfoliation may help prevent new milia
- Protect skin from sun damage
- Consider retinoid products for prevention
When to See a Doctor
If milia are persistent, widespread, bothersome cosmetically, or if you want them removed safely
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if these little white bumps are milia?
Milia look like tiny, pearl-like white or yellowish bumps under the skin. They are usually one to two millimetres wide, painless, and feel quite hard. You will typically notice them around your eyes, cheeks, or nose. Unlike acne whiteheads, they do not have an opening on the skin surface and will not release anything if you try to squeeze them.
What actually causes these milk spots to form?
Primary milia occur naturally when dead skin flakes and a protein called keratin get trapped under the skin rather than shedding normally. Secondary milia can develop after skin trauma like burns, blisters, laser treatments, or prolonged sun damage. Using heavy, pore-blocking skincare creams or long-term steroid ointments can also contribute to their formation.
Can I just pop milia at home like a pimple?
You should never try to squeeze or pop milia at home. Because they are enclosed cysts without a pore opening, squeezing will not remove the hard keratin plug. Instead, picking at them will only damage the surrounding skin, leading to redness, potential infection, and permanent scarring. Always leave extraction to a trained professional.
How can a dermatologist get rid of my milia?
A doctor or dermatologist handles milia through a safe, simple manual extraction. They use a sterile needle or tiny blade to create a microscopic opening in the skin, allowing them to gently press out the hard keratin plug. For widespread areas, they might suggest chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or prescription topical retinoids to help clear the bumps.
My newborn baby has these all over their face. Should I be worried?
Not at all. Neonatal milia affect up to half of all newborns and are completely harmless. They occur spontaneously and do not cause the baby any pain or discomfort. You do not need to apply any treatments, creams, or try to remove them. Simply wash the baby’s face gently with water; the spots will naturally disappear within a few weeks.
Is there a way to stop getting milia if I am prone to them?
To prevent new milia, review your daily skincare routine. Avoid thick, heavy, or occlusive creams, especially around the delicate eye area, and switch to lightweight, non-comedogenic products. Incorporating a gentle chemical exfoliant or a topical retinoid can help keep dead skin cells shedding properly so keratin does not become trapped. Always wear sunscreen to prevent sun damage.
When should I see a doctor about facial bumps?
Since milia are harmless, medical treatment is entirely optional and usually done for cosmetic reasons. However, you should see a doctor if the bumps become painful, red, or start growing rapidly, as these are not typical milia symptoms. A professional can quickly confirm the bumps are just milia and rule out other conditions like syringomas or acne.
How can ScanSkinAI help me work out if I have milia?
ScanSkinAI can analyze photos of your facial bumps and compare them to visual patterns typical of milia, acne, or other harmless cysts. While it provides a helpful preliminary check and educational insights, remember that ScanSkinAI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic system. Always consult a healthcare professional for an official diagnosis and to discuss safe removal options.
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
Concerned About Your Skin?
Upload a photo and get instant AI-powered analysis across 80+ skin conditions. Track your condition over time with photo timelines, or use our dedicated AI mole checker for moles and pigmented lesions.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.