Milia (Milk Spots) Treatments

Milia are a type of benign cyst containing keratin. These small white spots, sometimes called ‘milk spots’, usually occur around the eyes, but can also be found on the forehead, cheeks and other parts of the face and range in size between 1-3 mm. Treatment of milia includes extraction with a sterilized needle or by cauterization (thermocoagulation) using heat. Milia cannot be removed at home because they occur in the deeper layers of the skin in the dermis and move to the epidermis where they become more visible.

Diagnosis of a milia is usually done through visual examination. A skin specialist can identify a milia by its distinctive appearance and location.

Removing a milia is a simple and painless process. A dermatologist or skin care professional can remove the milia by extraction or a procedure called coagulation.