MyDermaCare
Skin concerns

Milia

Small benign white cysts, the size of a pinhead, frequent on the face — in babies and adults. Benign but sometimes uncomfortable.

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What are milia

Milia — often called "corn grains" — are small superficial benign cysts, formed by keratin retained by the pore. They appear as small white or yellow papules, the size of a pinhead, typically on the face — especially on the eyelids, cheeks, and nose.

They are extremely common and occur in babies (usually resolve spontaneously in the first weeks of life) and adults (where they may persist if they are not removed).

Appearance

  • Small white or yellow papules the size of a pinhead.
  • Smooth surface without visible opening (not a comet).
  • Typical locations — eyelids, cheeks, nose, forehead.
  • They may appear isolated or in groups.
  • Painless and without itching.
  • Persistent — in adults they rarely disappear without intervention.

Causes

  • Keratin retention in sebaceous glands or superficial follicles.
  • In babies — immature development of the sebaceous glands.
  • In adults — skin trauma (sunburn, abrasion, procedures), individual factors.
  • Use of occlusive cosmetics in some people.
  • Individual predisposition — some people tend to develop more than others.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is clinical — the appearance is characteristic. In an online consultation, the dermatologist evaluates photographs of the lesions and a short questionnaire on evolution, context and other changes.

Options for treatment

They do not require treatment — they are benign. They're removed for aesthetic reasons.

Surveillance

In infants and young children they usually disappear without intervention in the first weeks or months. You don't have to do anything.

In-office removal

In adults, if they are aesthetically uncomfortable, there are simple procedures for removal performed in an office — quick and with good results. They shouldn't be made at home.

routine care

A proper skin care routine — avoiding occlusive cosmetics and aggressive exfoliation — can reduce the appearance of new lesions in people with a tendency.

Talk to a dermatologist about your milia

No months-long wait for an in-person appointment. Each case reaches the dermatologist already prepared with photographs, history and questionnaire answers. Choose a report in under 24h or a booked video consultation.

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Frequently asked questions

And is it dangerous?

Nope. Milia are absolutely benign — they do not evolve, they are not infectious and have no association with other conditions. The nuisance is only aesthetic.

Can I remove it at home?

Nope. Drilling at home increases the risk of infection and scarring. Removal should be done by a professional in an appropriate environment.

Are they going to disappear on their own?

In babies, yes, almost always. In adults, rarely — they usually persist if they are not removed.

Is the online consultation for milia?

Yeah, for evaluation and planning. The removal is in person. The dermatologist confirms the diagnosis by photo and guides the next step.

Evaluate the milia with a dermatologist

Send pictures of the injuries. A dermatologist confirms the diagnosis and guides removal if intended.