From the Guidelines
The treatment for a clogged pore or milium (milk spot) involves gentle exfoliation and proper extraction, with salicylic acid being conditionally recommended for patients with acne, which can be applied to milia as well 1.
Treatment Approach
The approach to treating milia or clogged pores should prioritize gentle and non-invasive methods to avoid scarring or infection.
- Gentle exfoliation using products containing salicylic acid (1-2%) or glycolic acid (5-10%) can help loosen the trapped keratin.
- Topical retinoids like adapalene 0.1% gel can also be used to help prevent clogged pores and milia formation, as they are recommended for patients with acne 1.
Home Treatment
For home treatment, apply products containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid once daily, typically at night, for 2-4 weeks.
- Warm compresses for 5-10 minutes can help soften the skin before gentle exfoliation.
Professional Extraction
For stubborn milia, professional extraction by a dermatologist or licensed esthetician is recommended, as they can safely remove the contents using a sterile needle or lancet followed by gentle pressure.
Prevention
Prevention includes regular gentle exfoliation, thorough cleansing, avoiding heavy occlusive skincare products, and using non-comedogenic moisturizers and sunscreens.
Important Considerations
Never attempt to squeeze or pop milia at home as this can lead to scarring or infection.
- Milia form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin surface, creating small, white, pearl-like cysts that cannot be simply washed away.
- While the provided guideline evidence primarily focuses on acne management 1, the principles of gentle exfoliation and proper skincare can be applied to the treatment and prevention of milia.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Clogged Pores or Milium (Milk Spot)
- The treatment for clogged pores or milium (milk spot) can vary depending on the severity and location of the condition 2.
- For milia en plaque, a CO2 fractional laser has been shown to be an effective treatment option, providing superficial ablation of the epidermis with minimal thermal damage and rapid recovery time 2.
- Chemical peels using glycolic acid and salicylic acid have also been used to treat disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, a condition that can cause clogged pores, with good results and high patient satisfaction 3.
- For acne vulgaris, which can cause clogged pores, first-line treatments include topical therapies such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid, while more severe cases may require combination therapy with oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, or isotretinoin 4, 5.
- Reducing facial pores can be achieved through various treatment options, including oral and topical medications, as well as different wavelengths of lasers, with combination therapies showing increased efficacy 6.
Considerations for Treatment
- The choice of treatment for clogged pores or milium should be individualized, taking into account the severity and location of the condition, as well as the patient's skin type and concerns 2.
- Combination therapies, such as using a topical retinoid with an antimicrobial, can be effective in targeting multiple pathogenic factors and reducing the appearance of clogged pores 4, 5.
- Patient satisfaction and adverse effects should also be considered when selecting a treatment option, with mild and reversible side effects being common with many treatments 3, 6.