A dermatologist can usually tell if you have milia just by looking. Skin biopsies are rare. If you see white bumps, check with a doctor to see if it’s milia and if you need a treatment plan.
Since baby milia usually go away in a few weeks, no treatment is needed.
Milia in older kids and adults also goes away on its own, but some might want to treat it if it’s uncomfortable. Common treatments include:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing with liquid nitrogen.
- Deroofing: Using a sterile needle.
- Topical retinoids: Vitamin A creams.
- Chemical peels.
- Laser ablation.
- Diathermy.
- Destruction of curettage.
Milia has even been treated with a paper clip, but it’s better to let a doctor do it.