Does milia go away?

What are the small white bumps?

Milia are tiny, harmless cysts containing keratin, a skin protein, just beneath the skin's surface. They look pearly white and commonly appear around the eyelids and cheeks. Dead skin trapped in small pockets can form these bumps. Milia are not acne, even when they resemble whiteheads. A clinician can often identify them simply by looking at the skin; other cysts and bumps can look similar.123

How long does milia take to disappear?

There is no fixed deadline for an individual bump to disappear. If confirmed milia do not bother you, treatment is optional rather than necessary. A new skincare purchase is not required, which gives the shopping basket a rare afternoon off.1

What should you do while you wait?

• Wash your face daily with warm water and gentle soap, then pat dry gently.
• Do not squeeze, scrape or pick the bumps. Home removal can cause infection or permanent scarring.
• Use sunscreen outdoors.
• Adults can discuss exfoliation with a healthcare professional, especially if the bumps persist.

Does a baby need treatment?

Newborn milia needs no treatment and usually leaves no lasting effects. Similar cysts on a newborn's gums or roof of the mouth, called Epstein pearls, also disappear on their own. They can resemble teeth coming through the gums. Do not use adult lotions or oils on a baby to treat milia. Rough clothing or sheets can irritate the bumps and cause mild redness around a still white centre.23

Can you get rid of milia sooner?

A clinician can remove milia if their appearance bothers you. One option is opening the cyst with a sterile needle or blade and removing its contents. This is a professional procedure, not a home extraction method. Freezing is another option. For widespread milia, topical retinoids, medicines applied to the skin, may help. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser treatment are options for very extensive milia rather than necessary steps for a few harmless bumps.123

Can you stop milia coming back?

Most milia cannot be prevented, so a product promising total prevention has assigned itself quite a job. Some develop after skin injury, blistering or burns. Avoiding further skin trauma can reduce new bumps. Heavy creams and ointments can also trigger some cases. Use prescribed steroid creams only for the duration your clinician directs.13

When should you see a doctor?

Arrange an appointment if the bumps worsen, remain after a few months or you are unsure they are milia. An unusual rash or signs of illness in a newborn need assessment rather than waiting for presumed milia to clear. A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38C or higher needs urgent medical advice. Difficulty breathing requires emergency help.345