Does milia hurt?

What do milia look like?

Milia are tiny, pearly white cysts just beneath the skin, containing keratin, a protein found in skin. They commonly appear on the face, particularly the eyelids and cheeks, although they can occur elsewhere. Children and adults can both have them. One cyst is a milium and several are milia, because even tiny bumps have grammatical requirements.12

Can milia become irritated or itchy?

The skin around milia can become irritated. Rough sheets or clothing can cause mild redness around a bump while its centre stays white. That is different from the usual painless appearance of milia. Some less common forms are itchy, including multiple eruptive milia, where numerous bumps develop in groups over weeks to months. Itching is not the same as pain.23

What should you do with the bump?

1. 1Leave the bump alone. Do not squeeze, scrape or pick at suspected milia. Home removal can cause infection or permanent scarring.
2. 2Wash your face daily with warm water and gentle soap, then pat the skin dry rather than rubbing.
3. 3Use sunscreen when outdoors. Milia can develop after skin damage, including damage from sun exposure.
4. 4Arrange an examination if the bump hurts, worsens or does not improve after a few months. A clinician can check whether it is milia and discuss removal if wanted.

Does milia hurt a baby?

Ordinary newborn milia are painless and need no treatment. The bumps commonly appear across the cheeks, nose and chin. Similar harmless cysts can appear on the gums or roof of the mouth and look like teeth coming through. These are called Epstein pearls. Facial bumps and mouth cysts usually disappear during the first few weeks of life without lasting effects. Newborn milia can take up to about eight weeks to settle.134

Do not use adult lotions or oils on a baby's milia. If your baby seems unwell or uncomfortable, do not attribute that to the white bumps. Seek urgent medical advice for a child with a concerning rash or fever, and emergency help for breathing difficulty or unusual unresponsiveness.15

How long do adult milia last?

Milia in children and adults can clear within a few weeks, but some persist for months or longer. Waiting is a reasonable option for confirmed milia that are not bothering you. Reducing further skin trauma can help reduce new bumps. Milia do not need treatment simply because they remain visible.2

What if you want milia removed?

Adults can have milia removed for appearance alone, which makes removal an aesthetic decision rather than compulsory face maintenance. A clinician can open the cyst with a sterile needle or blade and remove its contents. Other options include freezing or procedures that destroy and remove the cyst. For widespread milia, topical retinoids, medicines applied to the skin, can help. Ask what discomfort to expect from the proposed procedure before agreeing to removal; painless bumps and a removal procedure are separate questions.23