Keratin bumps on the face are quite common; generally, they are small, skin-colored or whitish bumps just under the surface of the skin and can be multiple. They are also known as “milia”.
Milia most commonly arise on the face, especially the eyelids and cheeks, but may occur elsewhere on the body too, such as at sites of skin injury as skin heals, sites of friction (traumatic milia). Rarely they may be associated with some medications.
Milia are harmless, but may be removed for cosmesis. Sometimes, milia may spontaneously clear up, but this may take months. The least invasive method would be to apply a topical medication called a retinoid. Retinoids reduce keratinization of skin cells and help with cell turn over.
For milia not responding to topical treatment, we can consider a chemical peel, dermabrasion procedure or laser ablation, which has proven to be effective with minimal side effects. The exact treatment decided on usually depends on both actual skin condition, patient factors and physician practices and presences.
Hope this helps and do consult a trusted doctor to go through the treatment options for your case in more detail!
Best regards,
Dr. Joanna Chan
