When unwelcome skin bumps begin to appear on the faces of adolescents, many do a crash course in how to get rid of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Unfortunately, that crash course often overlooks another source of skin bumps. Milia (or milium, if you’re lucky enough to have just one) are white bumps that can be troublesome long after we’ve left our teen years behind. We thought this would be a good time for the medical skin experts at Austin Clinic to give our readers of all ages a quick course in Milia 101.
You should not try to pop milia. It won’t work and it will irritate your skin. Whiteheads and blackheads are filled with dead skin and oil. They also have a small opening to the outermost layer of skin, so when you pop, the dead skin and oil are ejected. Milia are filled with excess keratin, a protein that occurs naturally in the skin. Most importantly, they have no opening. Squeezing them doesn’t help, but it can cause inflammation, or worse, scarring.
Be patient. Your milia could resolve in a matter of weeks all on their own. If they don’t, a clinical assessment and professional treatment may provide just the help you need.
Milia are painless white bumps found on the face, usually on the cheeks, nose, and around the eyes. Occasionally, they can develop on the trunk and limbs. At just one or two millimetres in size, they can masquerade as tiny whiteheads. Don’t be fooled. If you’re not certain, a member of the Austin Clinic team can help you identify the problem.
It’s not because you’re special (even though you are!). Milia are an all-inclusive annoyance, causing problems for people of different skin types, genders, and ages. With primary milia,the culprit is dead skin cells trapped in cysts beneath the skin. They harden and form tiny bumps that don’t go away.
Other factors that contribute to the development of these unwanted skin bumps include:
- Skin damage (rash)
- Poor skin care
- Cosmetics and make-up that clog pores
- Steroid use
- Genetics
- Autoimmune disease
A condition known as secondary milia develops when the skin becomes damaged and infected. Severe sunburn is a common cause.
A few adjustments in your daily skin care routine may be enough to banish your milia in a matter of weeks. If that doesn’t work, laser treatments can be used to unseat the milia with little or no scaring. Micro needles can also be used to lance the bump with minimal scarring.
A combination of home and professional care is your best defence against stubborn little white bumps. At Austin Clinic, we’re proud to offer milia-busting exfoliating cleansers and scrubs from Austin Clinic’s own product line, as well as other good-for-your-skin products and make-up from cosmeceutical leaders such as Synergie and Colorescience.
If the idea of re-thinking your skincare regimen is a bit daunting, Austin Clinic wants to help. You can contact us with your questions. If you know who you’d like to see, we invite you to book online today.
FAQs
You should not try to pop milia. It won't work and it will irritate your skin. Whiteheads and blackheads are filled with dead skin and oil. They also have a small opening to the outermost layer of skin, so when you pop, the dead skin and oil are ejected.
Why shouldn't you pop milia? ›
Milia form under a thin layer of skin and not in a pore. That means there is no opening in the skin to squeeze the plug out. Never try to pop or otherwise extract milia yourself. It won't work, and it can cause infection, serious skin damage, and even permanent scarring.
What happens if I squeeze a milia? ›
Removing milia yourself is not recommended. To avoid infection, the treatment should be carried out in a safe clinical environment with sterile equipment. Trying to squeeze or pick at milia can cause the area to become inflamed, bruised or infected because they do not 'pop' in the same way as a pimple or whitehead.
Does insurance cover milia removal? ›
It's worth noting that milia removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, meaning it may not be covered by your insurance.
How do you stop milia coming? ›
How can I prevent milia?
- Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun.
- Temporarily using thick facial creams/ointments.
- Avoiding the use of steroids for longer than your provider prescribes.
- Frequently exfoliating or using a cleanser on your skin.
People may also refer to manual extraction as de-roofing. It involves a professional using a sterile needle or blade to cut a tiny opening in the top of the milia. They will then push out the keratin plug. Individuals should not attempt this at home, as doing so may lead them to develop an infection.
What comes out when you pop milia? ›
Milia are filled with excess keratin, a protein that occurs naturally in the skin. Most importantly, they have no opening. Squeezing them doesn't help, but it can cause inflammation, or worse, scarring.
What happens if you poke milia with a needle? ›
Don't pick, poke, or try to remove them
Trying to remove milia can cause the bumps to bleed, scab, and scar.
How to lance a milia? ›
The simplest way to remove milia is through de-roofing. The dermatologist cuts a tiny opening in the top of the cyst with a lancet and pushes out the keratin plug using a tool called a comedone extractor. You'll feel a mild prick, nothing more.
Can an esthetician remove milia? ›
And, although regulations vary, in most states estheticians cannot remove milia (those pesky little white bumps). To remove milia, the skin needs to be pierced with a sharp instrument called a lancet. Making an opening in the skin, however small, is a no-no for anyone except medical professionals.
How Much Will It Cost to Have My Moles and Milia Removed? The answer to this question depends on the state of the lesion being removed and the removal technique determined by you and Dr. Eros. You can expect an accurate estimate at your consultation, but prices range from $118 to $350.
What is inside milia? ›
Milia occur when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Keratin is a strong protein that's typically found in skin tissues, hair, and nail cells. Milia can occur in people of all ethnicities or ages. However, they're most common in newborns.
How much does it cost to get rid of milia? ›
How Much Does Milia Seed Removal Cost? This depends on the site, number and complexity of the removal. Procedural fee is from $380 onwards.
What kills milia? ›
As with acne, milia can be eradicated in a number of different ways, including with chemical peels, topical retinoids, and skin-care products like toners that contain exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid) or cleansers with salicylic acid.
Why did I suddenly get milia? ›
This is usually caused by some kind of skin trauma or infection, (such as laser treatments, chemical peels, and herpes), or contributing lifestyle factors, including smoking, poor personal hygiene, and long-term steroid use”.
Why am I so prone to milia? ›
Your dead skin cells begin to stiffen and form cysts around your nose, cheeks, trunk, limbs, and chest area. Milia could also emerge due to other factors, including: An injury or prolonged exposure to the sun, causing skin damage. Consumption of steroid creams or ointments for an extended period.
What happens if you don't remove milia? ›
Milia don't need to be treated, and they usually go away within a few weeks to months. But you may want to get rid of the bumps sooner for cosmetic reasons. Like any other skin abnormality, don't pick at a milium (the singular form of milia). That'll only make it worse.
What happens if you poke milia? ›
Don't pick, poke, or try to remove them
Trying to remove milia can cause the bumps to bleed, scab, and scar. Scraping the skin can also introduce germs to the area. This can cause infection.
Can you pop milia under your eye? ›
Never try to squeeze or pop milia (your own or your baby's).
If your milia do not go away on their own or with at-home treatment, talk to your doctor. Milia are treated by removing them with: extreme cold (cryotherapy)
