Milia

Concerned About Small White Bumps on Your Skin or Your Baby's Skin?

You noticed tiny, pearly white bumps across your newborn's nose or cheeks and you are not sure if it is something to worry about. Or maybe you have had small, stubborn white bumps under your eyes for months that concealer will not hide and nothing seems to clear them.

Milia is common, harmless, and very treatable, but it is completely understandable to want a professional opinion rather than guessing. Idaho's dry climate and high-altitude sun exposure can also affect skin texture and oil production, which sometimes plays a role in adult milia. Our team at Treasure Valley Dermatology sees this condition regularly in patients of every age, from newborns to grandparents, and we are here to give you clear answers.

What Is Milia?

Milia are small, firm, white or yellowish bumps that form just under the surface of the skin. They happen when keratin, a protein naturally found in skin and hair, becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface instead of shedding normally.

• Milia are not acne, whiteheads, or an infection
• They are not caused by poor hygiene
• They commonly appear on the nose, cheeks, chin, and around the eyes
• Newborn milia typically appears in the first few weeks of life and often resolves on its own
• Adult milia can develop at any age and may persist without treatment
• Milia can sometimes be mistaken for whiteheads, syringomas, or other benign bumps, which is why a professional evaluation is helpful

What to Expect During a Milia Evaluation and Treatment

A visit for milia is typically quick, straightforward, and well-tolerated, whether we are examining a baby or an adult.

• A brief in-office exam to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions
• For infants, most cases require no treatment at all and simply resolve with time
• For adults or persistent cases, our providers may recommend gentle extraction performed in office
• Extraction involves a small, sterile instrument to release the trapped keratin, with minimal discomfort for most patients
• No significant downtime is expected after in-office extraction
• Topical retinoids or exfoliating skincare may be recommended for recurring adult milia
• Follow-up is usually not needed unless milia recurs or new areas develop

What Results Can You Expect?

Most infant milia clears on its own within a few weeks without any treatment. For adults, many patients find that in-office extraction removes visible milia in a single visit, though some individuals are more prone to developing new milia over time due to skin type or sun exposure.

• Newborn milia: typically resolves within 1 to 3 months without intervention
• Adult milia extraction: bumps are usually visibly reduced immediately after the office visit
• Some patients may need periodic follow-up visits if milia tends to recur
• Consistent sun protection and a gentle skincare routine can support skin health going forward

Who Should Consider a Milia Evaluation?

• Parents of newborns or infants with small white bumps on the face who want reassurance from a specialist
• Adults with persistent white bumps around the eyes, cheeks, or nose that have not improved with skincare products
• Patients who are unsure whether their bumps are milia, whiteheads, or another skin condition
• Anyone who wants milia removed for cosmetic reasons before an event or simply for comfort
• Patients of any age, since milia can appear in infants, teens, adults, and older adults
• Individuals who have tried over-the-counter products without success and want a professional's opinion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is milia the same thing as acne or whiteheads?

No. Milia are trapped keratin cysts, while acne and whiteheads are related to clogged pores and oil production. They can look similar to the untrained eye, which is why an in-person evaluation from a board-certified dermatologist is the most reliable way to tell them apart.

Should I try to pop or extract milia at home?

We recommend against attempting to remove milia at home. Picking or squeezing can lead to irritation, scarring, or infection, and it is often ineffective since the keratin is sealed beneath intact skin. A quick in-office extraction is a much safer option.

Will my baby's milia need treatment?

In most cases, no. Newborn milia is extremely common, appearing in a large percentage of infants, and it typically clears on its own within the first few months of life without any intervention. If you are unsure or the bumps persist beyond a few months, our providers are happy to take a look and offer reassurance.

Why do I keep getting milia as an adult even after having them removed?

Some people are simply more prone to developing milia due to skin type, sun exposure, or the use of heavy skincare products. Our dermatologists are committed to identifying the underlying causes of recurring milia and can recommend a skincare routine or in-office maintenance plan tailored to your skin.

Can milia be removed the same day as my appointment?

In many cases, yes. If our provider determines that in-office extraction is appropriate, it can often be performed during the same visit as your evaluation, with minimal discomfort and no meaningful downtime afterward.

Why Choose Treasure Valley Dermatology

Whether you are bringing in a newborn or dealing with milia yourself, you deserve a dermatology team that takes your concerns seriously and explains exactly what they are seeing.

• Dr. Dustin Portela, board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and Idaho native, and Dr. Kelsey Ferrell, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, and Dr. Ben Buttars, board-certified dermatologist, all bring years of clinical experience to every skin concern, large or small
• Full-family care, from pediatric milia in newborns to adult skin concerns, all under one roof
• Two convenient locations in Boise and Meridian serving patients throughout Eagle, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, Kuna, and the surrounding Treasure Valley
• Over 700 five-star reviews from patients who describe the practice as "a breath of fresh air" and note that "you still feel like you're their only patient" even on a busy day
• A team genuinely committed to identifying the underlying causes of every skin concern, not just treating what is visible on the surface
• A welcoming, professional front and clinical staff that patients consistently describe as some of the best they have encountered

Schedule Your Milia Evaluation Today

If you have noticed small white bumps on your baby's face or your own skin, our team is ready to give you clear answers and a straightforward plan. Whether reassurance, monitoring, or a quick in-office extraction is the right next step, Dr. Portela, Dr. Ferrell, Dr. Buttars, and the Treasure Valley Dermatology team are here to help.

Request an appointment today at dermatologyboise.com/schedule-an-appointment or call one of our two convenient locations in Boise or Meridian. We look forward to giving you and your family the answers you are looking for.