Other strategies that may be used for milia treatment include chemical peels, laser ablation, cryotherapy (freezing) and diathermy (heat therapy). Milia are not contagious or harmful in any way, there is no known genetic link with milia and the condition is not thought to be hereditary, but some people may feel self-conscious about them, especially if they are on a visible area of the skin such as the face.

And though it may be safe and effective to get rid of facial milia with a comedone extractor, do not attempt to remove milia from your eyelids or near your eyes. Treatment of milia near the eyes should be performed only by an optician. At present doctor consultations are not available to book online however just call one of our friendly advisors and they will be happy to help. This article was medically reviewed by Adebola Dele-Michael, MD, FAAD. Dr. Adebola Dele-Michael is a Board Certified Dermatologist and the Owner of Radiant Skin Dermatology and Laser, PLLC in Manhattan, New York. With over 12 years of experience, she specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology, specifically, using lasers and energy devices in treating skin of color.She is an assistant professor of Dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Manhattan, NYC. Dr. Dele-Michael holds a BS in Biochemistry from Stony Brook University and an MD from The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed her Dermatology Residency at Wayne State University School of Medicine, where she was also chief resident. The main ingredient here is gluconolactone, which is used at a 4% concentration. Also known as polyhydroxy acid or PHA, this ingredient has a mild exfoliating effect. Its molecules are larger than other chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA, so it still sloughs away dead skin but with a lower risk of irritation.De Wet J, Jordaan HF, Visser WI. Bilateral malar milia en plaque as primary presentation of discoid lupus erythematosus. JAAD Case Rep. 2017;3(2):106-109. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.01.010 Care should be taken to clean and disinfect a comedone extractor with isopropyl alcohol before use for milia treatment to prevent infection. These benign cysts — sometimes called “milk spots”— are very common in infants; about 50% of babies have them at birth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But they can show up on anyone at any age. Unlike a pimple, milia don’t have an opening on the skin’s surface so they can’t be squeezed or popped. Scarring and skin damage can occur if you try, especially around the delicate eye area, so it’s best to leave this to the professionals. In many cases, milia will clear up upon their own after a few weeks or months. However, if the condition continues, we recommend visiting one of our qualified dermal technicians who can assist with extraction.

Hinen HB, Gathings RM, Shuler M, Wine Lee L. Successful treatment of facial milia in an infant with orofaciodigital syndrome type 1. Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35(1):e88-e89. doi:10.1111/pde.13350 Why this happens is not fully understood, but it is not the same as acne, which is usually triggered by hormones and, unlike milia, causes inflammation.Adults who find persistent milia bothersome or unsightly often seek treatment to make milia go away. Milia are not painful, do not cause scarring and often go away by themselves. For these reasons, no treatment is required in many cases. Milia usually go away naturally without any treatment. They don’t leave scars and trying to squeeze or burst them at home is not recommended. Milia occurring on the face (for example, on the cheeks, chin or alongside the nose) often can be safely removed at home using a sterilised needle, lancet or comedone extractor.