Have you ever spotted small, pearly-white bumps on your face, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead? These are likely **milia**—tiny, harmless cysts formed when keratin (a skin protein) becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface. While not dangerous, they can be a cosmetic concern for many.
**What Causes Milia?**
Milia develop when dead skin cells fail to shed naturally. Instead of flaking away, they get trapped, covered by new skin, and harden into small cysts. Common causes include:
* Skin damage from injury or sun exposure.
* Long-term use of steroid creams.
* Certain genetic conditions or autoimmune responses.
**Where Do They Appear?**
Though most common on the face—especially on eyelids, under eyes, cheeks, forehead, and nose—milia can also occur on the chest, arms, legs, genitals, and even inside the mouth.
**Professional Treatment Options**
Since milia are harmless, treatment is purely cosmetic. A dermatologist may recommend:
* **Topical retinoids** like adapalene gel or prescription tretinoin cream.
* **Professional extraction** using a sterile needle to puncture and remove the contents.
* **Cryotherapy** (freezing) or medicated creams for specific types.
**Safe At-Home Care**
**Important:** Do not pick, squeeze, or scrape milia, as this can cause scarring or infection. Instead, support your skin with a gentle routine:
1. Cleanse daily with a mild soap and warm water, patting skin dry gently.
2. Consider using an over-the-counter exfoliant to promote cell turnover.
3. Protect your skin with sunscreen daily to prevent sun damage, which can contribute to milia.
If milia are inflamed, infected, or particularly bothersome, consulting a healthcare provider is the best course of action for safe and effective removal.
