How to Get Rid of Milia — Those Tiny White “Fat Cysts”First, milia aren’t fat cysts. They are tiny, harmless keratin-filled cysts that form just beneath the skin, commonly around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead.
What you can do
- Leave them alone: Many milia disappear naturally over weeks or months.
- Use gentle skincare: Wash with a mild cleanser and avoid harsh scrubs or aggressive exfoliation.
- Don’t squeeze, scratch, or puncture them yourself. Unlike a pimple, milia don’t have an easy opening to the surface. Trying to remove them can cause infection, inflammation or scarring.
- For persistent adult milia: A dermatologist can remove individual milia by sterile extraction/de-roofing. Other treatments, including topical retinoids, cryotherapy or certain procedures, may be appropriate depending on the number and location.
What about home remedies?
Be skeptical of recipes claiming that lemon juice, toothpaste, baking soda, oils, or other kitchen ingredients will “dissolve” milia. There isn’t good evidence that these safely remove the cyst, and irritating the skin—especially around the eyes—can create a bigger problem.
If the bumps are new, numerous, painful, changing, or you’re not sure they’re actually milia, have a clinician or dermatologist identify them before trying to remove them. Not every small white bump is milia.
