Recently, I got spots under my eyes. Just little teeny white dots just under the skin. I figured they’d go away. Well, I self-diagnosed, and I’m convinced it’s milia (aka milk spots or oil seeds).
wikipedia suggests milia can be caused by harsh face washes or repeated hot showering by those with sensitive skin. Another website says milia can also be caused by sun damage, dermabrasion, topical steroid creams, and other skin trauma.
Whatever the cause, it is fairly common among adults. And the important thing to know is that they are not pop-able. You can’t remove them at home without risking scarring. Go to a doctor or skin specialist for removal or treatment.
Has anyone had them or had them removed? I’d like to hear any advice or experiences you’ve had.
DermNetNZ (an excellent source of dermatological information) has a little bit about milia on their cysts page.
Particularly, it says “milia can easily be squeezed out”, but if you’re concerned about scarring, I guess you should get a doctor to do that.
I saw that site and thought that advice was exceptionally poor. Babies and children scar more readily than adults. You shouldn’t pop babies’ milia. In adults milia often occurs on the eyelids – you can’t pop them suckers if you tried.
I had a milia on my eyelid.
When I first went to the doctor about it (thinking my doc would be able to pop it easily)she said “don’t worry, it’s not cancer, or anything”. To which i responded “I didn’t think it was…but NOW I do”.
anyway, she referred me to a dermatologist, I think, who took it out in a matter of minutes. It was slightly uncomfortable – at one point he has his knee up on the table thing and it felt like he was digging it out of my eyelid, but I don’t remember it being painful.
I recently saw a skin specialist for a mole map and I have a couple of milia on my face that she commented on.
She said that I could safely remove them myself, using a clean needle and opening the skin at the top (sorry, sounds gross), then gently squeezing them out.
I’ve done this before and haven’t had any scarring. But if you have any concerns, I’d see someone about your one.
I’ve read somewhere that fairer haired people tend to be more likely to get them. Not sure how true that is, but I’m fair and I’ve had them on and off for most of my adult life.
is that what that little white bump is on my eyelid! i have always wondered, but never gotten around to doing anything about… thanks
and i am fair haired/blonde as well, so that kinda helps with the theory perhaps?
Yeah, i am (naturally) kind of fair haired. And very pale skinned, so yeah, that makes sense.
I’ve had em, too! Just a few in my late teens. Just used a needle like Kaz did, and didn’t have any scarring at all, even though I’m prone to that kind of thing. Plus it was nice to not have to see them anymore! Even though they were pretty small, they bugged me.
Okay… you girls have been talking about fair skin.. I’m a red head and have had milia for a while now..But it sounds worse than yours.. Mine are all over my face..I’ve been to several dermotologist.. and never walk away truly satisfied.. I’ve had several painful chemical peels done..while that helps it.. it doesnt cure it… Does anyone have any answers for a SERIOUS milia cure?
Sorry Dominique, my milia actually disappeared by itself. Have your dermotolgists suggested why you might get them? Because I do remember reading a list of possible causes, like showers that are too hot and facial scrubs and stuff. Not sure if they really are causes in a scientific sense, but if you could look at ways of preventing them instead of treating it may help…???
Also, I love redheads.. literally. My boyfriend has beautiful red hair – count yourself lucky in that respect
Amy…. well yes and no my dermotologist listed a million different things… sunlight, diet, or just herditary… which i dont think it is because everyone in my family has perfect skin..literally..People also say that it could be the fact that im a red head.. yet i have many friends with red hair and they have no idea what milia even is.. your so lucky yours “just went away” I will keep looking up information to see about what I need to do… Hopefully this is something that can be fixed
I heard that milia are caused by using a too heavy moisturiser. I switched to a lighter one (Antipodes rejoice) and they have gone away…
No one could help me with mine, because I dug mine out with my finger nails. Now I have sores and sometimes get real dry and irritated, and when they scab over, sometimes the scabs get ripped off in the shower, or I’ll accidently scratch myself and hit one and open it back up, and the healing process is constantly repeated. Now I’m getting keloids on a couple of them. Some have healed but left behind dark spots. Do I still have a chance to get rid of the scars and dark spots?
Chemical Peels may be dangerous specially if you use those high concentrations of Glycolic Acid.,:;
Oh gosh!! Wish I would’ve read this 5 minutes ago. I have a 10 day old baby boy that was born w/ milia on his nose. My husband and I are zit-freaks in the sense that we love popping them. I just popped my baby’s nose milia and it worked (he didn’t cry), but now I’m afraid of scaring!! What can I do to prevent scars or them returning??
Milia are plugs of sebum and dead cells trapped beneath the surface. Beauty therapists can remove them. The skin is usually softened by a steamer, then the skin gently pierced and the plugs comes away.
Be careful if you do it yourself. Hygiene is super important to avoid infection.
I popped milia on my face and now I have scars. I wish I would have just left them alone. Now I have scars that are more visible and want to get rid of these scars, but not very hopeful that I can. Everytime I’ve tried to do something aesthetically for myself it’s been a mistake so maybe I’ll just leave the scars alone too.