Milia: symptoms, photos, AI check 🟢 ICD-10: L72 | ICD-11: EK70

A milium is a small superficial skin cyst that appears as a firm white bump. In simple terms, it is a “white dot” under the skin filled with keratin (a protein that makes up the skin) and sebum.

Unlike acne, milia are not related to pore blockage and are not inflammatory. They do not become red, do not hurt, and do not contain pus.

This condition is not contagious. Milia are common in newborns (where they often disappear on their own) as well as in teenagers and adults. Many people may develop them intermittently.

What to do if you suspect it

If you notice small white bumps on the skin that do not become inflamed and do not go away, it is worth showing them to a specialist.

The first step is to see a dermatologist. The doctor will confirm the diagnosis and advise whether treatment is needed.

Additionally:

• if there is significant cosmetic concern, a cosmetologist may be consulted
• if there are multiple lesions, internal factors (hormones, metabolism) may sometimes be evaluated

Important:

• do not try to remove milia yourself
• do not prick or squeeze them
• do not use harsh products

Self-removal attempts may damage the skin and lead to scarring.

What it looks like

Milia have a characteristic appearance.

They look like:

• small white or yellowish-white dots
• firm bumps under the skin
• smooth, rounded lesions

Features:

• usually 1–2 mm in size
• well-defined borders
• normal surrounding skin
• no redness or inflammation

They most often appear on the face:

• around the eyes
• on the cheeks
• on the nose
• on the chin

They can be single, but are more often found in groups.

Below in the article you can view real photos to better understand how the condition looks.

Main symptoms

Milia usually do not cause discomfort.

Typical features:

• no pain
• no itching
• stable white lesions
• long-term persistence without changes

The main concern is cosmetic appearance.

Causes

Milia arise due to disruption of normal skin renewal processes.

External factors:

• excess UV exposure
• skin damage
• improper skincare
• unhealthy habits

Internal factors:

• increased formation of new skin cells
• slower shedding of old skin cells
• hormonal changes
• metabolic disorders
• genetic predisposition

In simple terms: the skin renews faster than it sheds dead cells, which become trapped under the surface and form a small white cyst.

How it develops

Normally, skin cells gradually move to the surface and are shed.

In milia:

• new cells form too quickly
• old cells fail to shed properly
• they accumulate beneath the skin surface

Over time, a small keratin-filled cyst forms — this is a milium.

Unlike acne, there is no inflammation and no involvement of pores.

Forms and types

Milia can be:

• primary — arise spontaneously, often in newborns and adolescents
• secondary — appear after skin damage (e.g., injury or inflammation)

Usually, lesions are similar in appearance and size.

When to see a doctor

You should see a dermatologist if:

• the number of milia increases
• they do not disappear over time
• they appear in unusual locations
• skin appearance worsens

Also seek medical advice if:

• lesions are damaged
• their appearance changes
• new sensations develop

Treatment

Management depends on the number of lesions and cosmetic concern.

If there are few lesions

Treatment may not be needed — milia can sometimes resolve on their own.

If treatment is required

Main approaches:

Removal

The primary method is careful extraction by a specialist using sterile instruments.

Procedural methods

For multiple lesions, laser, radiofrequency, or electrocautery methods may be used.

Prevention

After removal, it is important to address factors that contribute to recurrence.

Important:

• there is no cream that reliably removes milia
• treatment should be performed by a professional
• self-removal may cause complications

Q&A

Can milia disappear without treatment?

Sometimes they do, but removal is often needed for faster results.

Are they dangerous?

No, milia are harmless but may cause cosmetic concern.

Why do they come back?

If contributing factors are not addressed, new lesions may form.

Are milia acne?

No, they are a different condition not related to pore inflammation.

Can they be squeezed?

No, this may damage the skin and cause scarring.

Why do they appear around the eyes?

The skin there is thin and delicate, so milia are more common in that area.

How long does treatment take?

Removal is usually quick, but multiple sessions may be needed for many lesions.

Can their appearance be prevented?

Risk can be reduced with proper skincare.

Check Your Skin Instantly

Use the Skin disease scanner – SKinive AI to take a photo of a skin lesion and get an AI-based risk assessment. It helps determine whether professional consultation is recommended, giving you fast guidance and peace of mind.

Medical sources and references

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
• European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV)
• Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology, 9th Edition
• Bolognia Dermatology, 4th Edition
• Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD)
• World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on skin conditions

Images of milia: