Those Annoying White Bumps on the Face

Some of us get those small white bumps on our face – milia.  What are milia?  And how do I treat them?

 

Since part of my job is to nag all of you……. you know what I’m going to say! 🙂  Please don’t self diagnose – if you’re not sure, ask your doctor – especially if a spot is changing or growing.   White bumps can be caused by acne by a plug in the pore (whitehead), milia (a comedone that hardens and gets stuck), overgrown oil gland (sebaceous hyperplasia), and a number of other things.   If you have milia and pick at them, they will usually get sore, often infected, and then won’t heal well and may even scar.  Instead, have an aesthetician experienced in extractions or your dermatologist’s office remove them for you with the special tools.  Using a retinoid night cream on them for several weeks will help loosen them before you go to have them removed.  Try the SkinMedica Tri-Retinol Complex.

 

See Dr. Irwin’s article on milia, moles, and all kinds of lumps and bumps that appear on our faces. 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

Ask me your skincare question!

Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
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