Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist, on
Milia are small, white, hard bumps of one to two millimetres in the skin, mainly around the eyes and on the cheeks. They are harmless cysts filled with keratin that are easy to remove.
Reply within 12 to 48 hours · no referral needed · from € 39
Milia are small cysts just under the outer layer of the skin, filled with keratin. They look like white or yellowish-white, hard bumps of one to two millimetres. A single one is called a milium.
Milia are completely benign. They occur in babies, children and adults. In adults they usually appear on the face: around the eyes, on the eyelids and on the cheeks.
Milia are not contagious. They are not pimples or warts, but small cysts containing keratin.
Milia develop when the duct of a hair follicle or sweat gland becomes blocked. Keratin builds up and forms a small white bump. Doctors distinguish two types.
Develop spontaneously from hair follicles that are not yet fully developed. They are very common in newborns, in about four in ten babies, mainly around the nose. They disappear by themselves within a few weeks. In children and adults they also appear without a clear reason, mainly around the eyes.
Develop after damage to the skin that blocks a duct. For example after a burn, sunburn, graze, blisters, freezing treatment, laser treatment or radiotherapy. Some medicines can also trigger them.
Milia are small, white to yellowish-white, dome-shaped bumps that feel hard. They appear singly or in groups, mainly around the eyes, on the eyelids, the cheeks and the forehead. In babies they are often around the nose.
White bumps on the face can fit milia, but also closed comedones, enlarged oil glands or small sweat gland growths. The dermatologist makes the distinction.
The dermatologist recognises milia by their appearance: small, white, hard bumps in the typical places. Further tests are rarely needed. Very occasionally a bump is removed and examined under the microscope.
With 247dermatologist you upload photos of the bumps and answer a few questions. A registered dermatologist assesses them within 12 to 48 hours.
Milia do not need treatment. If they bother you, they can be removed easily. This is done at a dermatology or GP practice or by a skin therapist, not online.
The dermatologist first confirms that they are milia and not other bumps. At 247dermatologist we do this based on your photos.
The skin is disinfected. A tiny incision is made over the bump with the tip of a sterile blade or needle. The contents are then pressed out. No anaesthetic is needed.
For many milia the dermatologist can prescribe a cream containing tretinoin or burn the bumps away with a fine needle (electrocautery).
Please note
Do not squeeze milia yourself without an incision. The bump sits under closed skin: squeezing damages the skin, causes inflammation and can leave a scar.
In babies, milia disappear by themselves within a few weeks. In adults they often go away on their own too, but this can take a long time. If they persist, they are easy to remove. After removal a milium can sometimes come back or new ones can appear.
Get in touch if:
A dermatologist at 247dermatologist assesses your photos and tells you whether they are milia and what the best approach is. No referral needed.
Not sure whether this needs a look? Have a dermatologist assess it: you get an answer within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed. In an emergency, contact your GP straight away or call 112.
A pimple is an inflamed hair follicle: red, sometimes painful, with pus. Milia are hard, white bumps with no redness and no opening. You cannot squeeze them out.
Better not. Without a tiny incision you cannot get the bump out and you damage the skin. Have it done by a doctor or skin therapist.
This has not been proven. Milia are caused by a blocked duct, sometimes after skin damage. Gentle cleansing and a light cream around the eyes are sensible.
Yes. About four in ten newborns have milia, mainly around the nose. They disappear by themselves within a few weeks and do not need treatment.
Sometimes. A removed milium can come back and new ones can appear, especially if the cause persists, such as sun damage or skin injury.
Upload photos and answer a few questions. A BIG-registered dermatologist replies within 12 to 48 hours, no referral needed, from € 39.
If more is needed, the dermatologist refers you to a medical specialist.
Want to know what a dermatologist does, when you can see one and how quickly that can happen? Read more about the dermatologist.
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