Milia are the tiny, hard, pearly white bumps that tend to show up around the eyes, on the cheeks and across the nose. They look like whiteheads, but they don't behave like them, which is why squeezing never seems to work.
What Are Milia?
A milium (the singular) is a small cyst, usually 1 to 2 mm across, filled with keratin, the protein that makes up the outer layer of your skin. Instead of shedding normally, the keratin gets trapped just under the surface. Unlike a whitehead, a milium has no pore opening, so there is nothing to squeeze out through the surface.
Milia are harmless and not contagious. They are common in:
- Newborns, where they usually clear on their own within a few weeks and need no treatment
- Adults, most often around the eyes, eyelids, cheeks and forehead
What Causes Milia in Adults?
Some milia appear for no clear reason. Others follow something that disrupted the skin:
- Long-term sun damage, which thickens the outer layer of skin
- Heavy, rich creams and eye creams, especially around the eyes
- Long-term use of steroid creams
- Skin injury, burns or blistering rashes
- Resurfacing procedures such as dermabrasion or some lasers, during healing
Why You Shouldn't Squeeze or Pick Milia
Because milia sit under a closed layer of skin, squeezing pushes on surrounding tissue without releasing the cyst. The usual result is redness, broken skin, and sometimes a scar or a dark mark, which is a bigger concern on the delicate skin around the eyes. Pins and needles at home also carry a real infection risk.
What Can Help at Home
These steps can help milia clear more quickly and prevent new ones. Expect weeks to months, not days:
- A retinoid — an over-the-counter adapalene gel or retinol speeds up skin turnover. Keep it away from the eyelids unless your dermatologist says otherwise.
- Gentle chemical exfoliation — products with glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid a few times a week. Skip harsh scrubs.
- Lighter products — switch heavy creams for non-comedogenic moisturizers, especially around the eyes.
- Daily sunscreen — sun damage makes milia more likely, and Florida sun is relentless.
Our Florida skincare routine guide covers lightweight products that work in Tampa's humidity.
How a Dermatologist Removes Milia
The fastest way to get rid of milia is in-office removal. Using a sterile instrument, the dermatologist makes a tiny opening in the skin over each milium and gently lifts the contents out. It takes a few minutes, usually needs no numbing, and typically leaves no mark. Even milia close to the eyes can be removed safely with the right technique.
For people who get many milia, a series of chemical peels or a prescription retinoid can help reduce new ones.
When to Get a Bump Checked
A few other growths can look like milia, including syringomas, enlarged oil glands (sebaceous hyperplasia) and, rarely, an early basal cell carcinoma. See a dermatologist if a bump is growing, bleeding, has a central dip, or doesn't behave like your other milia. Our guide to what skin cancer looks like describes the warning signs.
Milia Removal in South Tampa
Dr. Amanda Sergay, a board-certified dermatologist, can confirm that your bumps are milia, remove them, and recommend a routine that helps prevent them from coming back. See our pricing page or book an appointment at our office at 3216 W Azeele St.
