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Question

Best way to get rid of milia?

What's the best way to get rid of milia?  I get a lot of these little white bumps on the backs of my upper arms and a few under my eyes.

Thanks.

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Asked by: MK from Chicago, IL

Answers (5)

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1
December 2, 2008

Salycylic Face & Body Wash for prevention

Kamran Jafri, MD
Kamran Jafri, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hello MK,

I would also recommend that once you have the milia extracted you consider using a salycylic acid facial & body wash. With consistent use you can help prevent future milia from forming.

A Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%) based lotion can also help keep your skin clear from blemishes.

Take Care,

Dr. Jafri

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2
December 2, 2008

Extraction is the simplest and most effective away to remove milia.

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

I agree with the posted comments by the other physicians.  Milia , more commonly know as a whitehead, is a ordinary problem.  It is easily treated by using a sterile small gauge needle to unroof the lesion followed by extraction of the contents. It should heal with minimal-to-no scarring. The treatment of milia should be performed by a professional!

 

To prevent milia from forming, I would advise a skin regimen which includes a good cleansing agent and Retinol or Retin-A products.  If you are using hairspray, try to avoid this getting on the facial skin, as it can occlude the skin pores.

 

I hope this helps.

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3
December 2, 2008

extraction

Edward S. Lee, MD
Edward S. Lee, MD

Unroof them with a small needle and what's inside will come out. You can either let it do it on its own, or use a comedone extractor.

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4
December 1, 2008

Extract them

William Groff, DO
William Groff, DO
Board Certified
Dermatologist

We see milia  frequently in dermatology.  The best and simplest method is to take a tiny needle or scalpel blade and nick the milia and then use a comdone extractor to remove the contents.  It should heal beautifully and not leave any scarring.  Take care,

Dr. Groff

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5
December 1, 2008

Not too many alternatives

Steven Wallach, MD
Steven Wallach, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Milia often appear as little whiteheads that have retained skin appendages in them. The best and slowest treatment is to unroof them with a very fine needle.

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