What are milia?
Milia are very small, raised, pearly-white bumps under the skin. They are actually small cysts that occur when keratin becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. They are most often seen on the skin around the cheeks, nose, eyes and eyelids, forehead and chest, and can be mistaken as a pimple that just never seems to come to the surface. However, they can occur anywhere on the body.
What causes milia?
Milia are most often associated with some type of damage to the skin, such as:
- burns
- skin resurfacing procedures, such as dermabrasion or laser treatments
- long-term use of steroid creams
- long-term sun damage
Are milia harmful?
No. Milia are completely harmless to your health.
How can you treat your milia?
The providers at Clear Dermatology & Aesthetics Center can use a tiny needle and a special extractor to safely remove the milia. The procedure is fast, painless and heals quickly for most people. However, it is not recommended to squeeze or try to treat milia yourself. This can lead to skin damage and scarring or infection.