How to Get Rid of Milia: Treatments and Home Remedies

What are Milia?

Milia are white, keratin-filled cysts on the skin. They’re also known as skin lesions that are over 1 to 3 mm in diameter. People often mistake them for whiteheads or pimples, and they commonly develop around the cheeks and eye area. 

The five types of milia are:

• Neonatal milia
• Primary milia
• Secondary milia
• Milia en plaque
• Multiple eruptive milia

Neonatal milia are seen in babies after birth. They commonly occur around the nose. However, it’s possible to find some on the scalp, cheeks, and inside the mouth.

Primary and secondary milia can occur in both children and adults. Milia en plaque is a rare type that occurs around the ears, on the eyelids, or around the cheek and jaw area. They’re most common in middle-aged women.

Multiple eruptive milia occur in large patches over a period of weeks or months. They’re common around the face, upper arms, and torso. Similar to milia en plaque, this type is rare.

What Causes Milia?

Researchers haven’t determined the exact cause of milia. Primary milia can occur spontaneously on otherwise normal skin. 

Experts believe milia form during the regeneration process in the sebaceous root of vellus hairs. These are the thin, barely noticeable hairs that grow on the body during childhood. When the skin doesn’t turn over fast enough, a build-up of keratin forms, causing tiny bumps.

Secondary milia can develop after some form of damage or injury. Doctors believe damaged sweat glands are the underlying cause. They can also occur after applying corticosteroid creams to the skin.

Secondary milia can also occur from traumatic stimuli, which include:

• Dermabrasion
• Radiotherapy
• Second-degree burns
• Autologous skin grafts (for burns)
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Prolonged topical steroid use
• Anti-inflammatory drug therapy
• Skin infections

Are Milia Harmful? 

Milia are benign cysts that don’t pose a significant health risk. Health professionals commonly treat them as a cosmetic issue.

In most cases, milia don’t have symptoms other than white bumps on the skin. However, it’s possible to experience some itchiness, irritation, and swelling if a person has secondary milia.

4 Ways to Heal and Get Rid of Milia

Neonatal milia don’t require treatment because they can go away on their own. Milia in adults can last longer on the skin, but they don’t pose any health risks. They usually go away in a few weeks or months.

However, if a person is bothered by the itchiness or their appearance, there are some ways to heal and get rid of milia:

1. Manual Extractions by a Dermatologist (Best Option)

The most common form of extraction by a dermatologist is called de-roofing.¹⁰ Doctors will use a sterile needle to prick the bump and release the trapped keratin inside.

Doctors can also perform curettage or cryotherapy. Curettage involves scraping off milia and sealing the skin with a hot wire. Cryotherapy requires freezing off the bumps with liquid nitrogen.

Other procedures include dermabrasion, prescription medication, and laser treatments.

2. Topical Retinoid Creams

Topical retinoid creams are prescribed by a doctor. These are vitamin A-based medications and are popular for their anti-aging benefits. They are commonly used as an acne treatment but some doctors prescribe them for people with milia.

Retinoids speed up the skin's turnover process. They encourage the body to shed dead or excess skin cells, making it easier for doctors to extract milia.

Studies show that it can take 3 to 6 months of regular use before recognizable improvements in the skin occur. The best results can take up to 6 to 12 months.⁵

Side effects include dryness, irritation, and sun sensitivity. This is why doctors do not recommend topical retinoid creams for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Some over-the-counter (OTC) retinoid products are not as strong as prescription creams, but they’re less irritating. They can be used with other exfoliating ingredients for better skin-smoothing results.

3. Exfoliating Products (Salicylic/Glycolic Acid) 

Using exfoliating products can help regulate skin cell turnover. It’s a great way to prevent more milia from forming because it makes sure excess keratin flakes don’t build up.

Dermatologists recommend using chemical exfoliating products because they are more gentle than physical scrubs. They reduce the risk of irritation and redness around the affected area while effectively removing dirt and dead skin cells.

The two types of exfoliants are beta hydroxy acids (BHA) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA).

Some commonly used forms of BHAs include:

• Salicylic acid
• Willow extract
• Beta hydroxybutanoic acid
• Tropic acid
• Trethocanic acid
• Salicylate
• Sodium salicylate

Commonly used forms of AHAs include:

• Glycolic acid
• Lactic acid
• Citric acid
• Hydroxycaprylic acid
• Hydroxycapric acid

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), AHAs are safe to use if certain conditions are met.¹ These include:

• A concentration of 10% or less
• A pH of 3.5 or more
• Protects the skin from increased sun sensitivity
• Product packaging informs consumers to use daily sun protection

4. Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is one of the most important home remedies for milia. Sun damage can cause secondary milia. It can also lead to clogged pores, which results in milia formation.

Using chemical exfoliants can also make the skin increasingly sensitive to the sun. Any milia treatment that involves chemical exfoliants needs to be accompanied by sunscreen.

Studies from the FDA show that after 4 weeks of AHA application, people’s sun sensitivity increased by 18%. They also showed that this sensitivity is reversible and does not last long once people stop using AHA products.¹

Don’t Self-Extract Milia at Home

Dermatologists advise against extracting milia at home. Picking or squeezing the bumps can traumatize the skin and cause scarring. 

Additional trauma to the skin can result in secondary milia, causing the condition to worsen. This makes it look like the bumps are spreading.

It’s normal for adult milia to take a few weeks or months to go away. It’s best to consult a doctor for a professional procedure, such as extraction. A doctor can safely extract the bumps and ensure the skin doesn’t incur more damage. 

Can You Prevent Milia? 

There is no way to prevent neonatal milia because it spontaneously occurs as the baby is born. Parents can wash the baby’s face three times a week with warm water and gentle soap. 

Parents should use patting motions to dry the skin afterward. Avoid using lotions or oils meant for adults on a baby’s skin. These can clog pores and cause more milia to develop.

Adults can create a proper skincare routine that involves cleansing, exfoliating, and using sun protection. Dermatologists recommend using hypoallergenic products only to reduce the risk of irritation and the formation of secondary milia.

Summary

Milia are benign cysts that look like white bumps on the skin. They’re around 1 to 2 mm in diameter and commonly occur around the eye and cheek area.

Milia spontaneously occur in newborn babies, children, and adults. They can also develop as a result of damage or trauma to the skin.

This skin condition gradually goes away on its own. Milia don’t pose any risks to a person’s health, and doctors consider them a cosmetic issue.

Avoid picking or squeezing the bumps. This can damage the skin and potentially cause more milia to form. If a person insists on extraction, the best solution is to see a doctor.