What Are Milia and What Causes Them?
Have you ever noticed tiny white or yellowish bumps on your face—especially around the eyes, cheeks, or nose—that don’t go away no matter how much you cleanse or scrub? These little bumps are called milia (singular: milium), and although they are completely harmless, they can be frustrating if you’re aiming for smooth, blemish-free skin.
Let’s dive deeper into what milia are, why they form, and how you can treat and prevent them.
What Are Milia?
Milia are small, hard, white cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin. They are filled with keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails. Unlike pimples or whiteheads, milia aren’t caused by bacteria or clogged pores due to oil. Instead, they result from trapped dead skin cells that haven’t exfoliated properly.
There are two main types:
Primary Milia – Appears spontaneously, often in babies and adults.
Secondary Milia – Develops after skin trauma, burns, blistering, or certain dermatologic procedures.
Common Areas Where Milia Appear
Around the eyes
On the cheeks
On the forehead
Nose and chin
Occasionally on the chest or genitals
While common in infants, milia are also frequently seen in adults, especially in areas where the skin is thinner or more delicate.
What Causes Milia?
Milia develop when keratin becomes trapped under the surface of the skin instead of naturally exfoliating. Common causes include:
1. Lack of Proper Exfoliation
Dead skin cells build up when you don’t exfoliate regularly, especially on mature or dry skin.
2. Heavy Skincare or Makeup Products
Using thick creams, oils, or makeup products that clog the skin can contribute to milia formation.
3. Sun Damage
Prolonged sun exposure thickens the skin, making natural exfoliation harder and increasing the risk of milia.
4. Skin Trauma or Burns
Injury to the skin can interrupt natural healing and lead to secondary milia.
5. Genetics or Hormonal Changes
Some people are simply more prone to developing milia due to their skin type or hormonal fluctuations.
Are Milia Harmful or Contagious?
Not at all. Milia are completely benign and not contagious. They don’t cause pain, infection, or inflammation unless picked or irritated, which is not recommended.
How Are Milia Treated?
While milia may resolve on their own, especially in babies, treatment may be necessary for persistent or cosmetically bothersome cases. Options include:
✅ Professional Extraction
A dermatologist uses a sterile needle or comedone extractor to gently remove the cyst. Never try this at home—it can lead to scarring or infection.
✅ Topical Retinoids
These vitamin A derivatives help in speeding up cell turnover and preventing new milia from forming.
✅ Chemical Peels or Microdermabrasion
These treatments exfoliate the top layers of skin, improving texture and reducing milia.
✅ Laser Therapy (for stubborn cases)
For resistant or multiple milia, certain non-invasive laser options may help remove them safely.
Tips to Prevent Milia
Use non-comedogenic skincare products
Exfoliate 1–2 times a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant
Avoid heavy creams, especially around the eye area
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
Avoid excessive rubbing or picking at the skin
Get Milia Treatment in Varanasi with Dr. Garima
If you’re dealing with persistent milia or unsure about bumps on your skin, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. At Skin Savvy, Varanasi, Dr. Garima offers professional and safe milia removal using advanced dermatological methods tailored to your skin’s needs.
Don’t let those tiny bumps take away your skin confidence—smooth, clear skin starts here!
For more information please connect with us:
Hospital’s Name: Skin Savvy by Dr Garima Varanasi
Address: Malviya kunj, SHARABH HOSPITAL, B31/13 D-P, Saket Nagar Colony, Lanka, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005
Contact Number: +91-8808872742
Email Id: contact@skinsavvybydrgarima.com
Working Days & Hours: Mon – Sat(11am–7 pm) , Sunday(12pm–4 pm)