How to treat milia on the forehead

Are the bumps definitely milia?

Milia are tiny, pearly white cysts just beneath the skin, containing keratin, a skin protein. The forehead is a common location in children and adults. They can resemble whiteheads, but milia are not acne. Other cysts and blocked pores can look similar, so have the bumps checked if you are unsure before choosing treatment.12

What should you do at home?

1. 1Wash your face daily with warm water and gentle soap.
2. 2Pat your forehead dry gently rather than rubbing it.
3. 3Leave the bumps alone. Squeezing, scraping or picking can cause infection or permanent scarring.
4. 4Use sunscreen when you go outdoors.

Waiting is a reasonable choice if the bumps do not bother you. Primary milia can disappear within weeks, but some remain for months or longer. Treatment is optional, which is an awkward business model for anyone selling a compulsory fix. Avoid further injury to the area because milia can develop as damaged skin heals.2

Can a cream or exfoliant clear them?

Adults can consider an exfoliating treatment, and topical retinoids are an option for milia. These include adapalene gel sold without a prescription and prescription tretinoin cream. Discuss the choice with a healthcare professional, especially if many bumps cover your forehead. Retinoids may help widespread milia; they are not a reason to squeeze individual cysts while waiting. Ask for directions for the specific treatment rather than using several exfoliating products at once.12

How does professional removal work?

A clinician can open the surface of a cyst with a sterile needle or blade and remove its contents. This is an office procedure, not a home extraction technique. Other options include freezing the cysts or using heat and scraping to remove them. For very extensive milia, chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser treatment have also been used.2

Book an appointment if the bumps worsen, remain after a few months or bother you enough to want removal. A cosmetic reason is enough to discuss removal, without turning the appointment into a full skincare renovation. A clinician can often identify milia by looking at the skin; tests are usually unnecessary. Tell them if the bumps appeared after an injury or on inflamed skin.13

What if the milia are on a baby's forehead?

Newborn milia need no treatment and usually disappear during the first few weeks, often within four weeks. Do not apply adult lotions or oils to a baby's delicate skin. Milia and heat rash are different: heat rash can also affect the forehead, but forms clear blisters or red bumps and improves with cooling. If you cannot tell which you are seeing, ask your child's clinician rather than treating it as adult milia.134

Have a baby's rash assessed if there are blisters, wet or oozing areas, fever or other unexplained symptoms. An unusual rash in an unwell newborn needs medical assessment. Seek urgent help if a baby under three months has a temperature of 38C or higher; do not assume a rash with fever is simply milia.567