From the Research
Milia on the eyelid corner can be effectively treated with a CO2 fractional laser, as it ensures superficial ablation of the epidermis with minimal thermal damage and rapid recovery time, as seen in a case report from 2014 1. The treatment of milia on the eyelid corner should prioritize methods that minimize the risk of scarring, infection, or eye injury due to the delicate nature of the eyelid skin.
- Gentle methods such as warm compresses applied to the area for 5-10 minutes daily can help soften the keratin plug, potentially allowing it to resolve naturally.
- Gentle exfoliation using products containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid may help, but these must be used cautiously near the eyes and never directly on the eyelid margin. For persistent milia, professional extraction by a dermatologist or ophthalmologist is a safe and effective treatment, involving a tiny incision with a sterile needle or blade to extract the keratin-filled cyst, as supported by general dermatological practices. Topical retinoids like tretinoin 0.025% cream may be prescribed for prevention after treatment, applied carefully away from the eye itself, although the most recent and highest quality study on the specific treatment of milia on the eyelid corner with CO2 fractional laser does not mention the use of retinoids 1. Other treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels have been studied for various skin conditions, including photoaging, but their application specifically for milia on the eyelid corner is not as directly supported by the highest quality and most recent evidence as the CO2 fractional laser treatment 2, 3. The use of CO2 laser vaporization has also been reported effective in treating different variants of milia, including milia en plaque, with good cosmetic results and minimal side effects, as shown in a study from 2010 4. However, the most recent and relevant study for the treatment of milia on the eyelid corner specifically recommends the CO2 fractional laser due to its efficacy and safety profile 1.