The Truth About Milia: Don't Try to Pop These White Bumps

What are milia? Should you squeeze them? And why do they keep coming back?

In this episode of the After Hours Skin Clinic podcast, Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain everything you need to know about milia, the tiny white bumps that commonly appear around the eyes, cheeks and face.

Often mistaken for whiteheads or spots, milia are one of the most common skin concerns dermatologists are asked about. Emma and Ellie explain what causes them, why they won't pop like a pimple, when they disappear on their own, and the safest way to remove them.

They also tackle some of the biggest myths circulating on social media, including DIY extraction techniques, home remedies and whether certain skincare products can make milia worse.

Whether you've had milia yourself, noticed them on your baby, or are simply wondering what those tiny white bumps on your skin actually are, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice from two consultant dermatologists.

This episode covers:

What are milia?

Milia vs whiteheads: what's the difference?

Why you shouldn't squeeze milia

What causes milia to develop?

Can moisturisers and eye creams cause milia?

Why babies commonly develop milia