Q: I have whiteheads (but no blackheads), and no matter what I do, I can’t seem to get rid of them. The head of the whitehead is very hard and “packed,” and if I try to squeeze the head to loosen it, I end up bruising my face.
A: It sounds to me that what you are experiencing is a condition known as milia, not whiteheads. Milia are actually tiny, hard, white cysts. They are caused by blocked sweat ducts and can result from the overuse of certain types of skincare products or cosmetics. They can be notoriously difficult to eliminate and may need to be removed by your dermatologist, who may first prescribe and alpha hydroxy acid moisturizer or Retin-A to help loosen them before they extract them. An at home remedy that might help is to gently massage the affected area with a mild cleanser and a Buff Puff. Do not do this with a vigorous motion as you will inflame the skin.
Hello,
My name is abbey. I am 29 year old woman who has been in a loosing battle with my acne. I have done so much to my skin from antibiotics to topical everything, to accutane 3 times, now back to antibiotics and I still continue to get acne. I’m still taking antibiotics and everythime I get off them I break out. I have done so much to my skin that I look older than my friends same age. I have a question for Dr Perricone. I have read both books by Dr. Perricone: The clear prescription and the Pericone Prescription and I still have a few questions to ask.
If this can please be forwarded to Dr. Perricone I would greatly appreciate your help.
I too beleive that I have the same problem (Milia). These unsightly and annoying things keep popping up all over my face. I have tried using an exfoliant to get rid of the Milia and that does not work either. Trust me, I’ve tried! Can you suggest one of your products that might work for me? Thanks very much!
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for your question. Dr. Perricone does offer a line of products for those with acne or breakouts, but unfortunately none of his products specifically address milia. There is not a product available on the market we are aware of that can prevent or cure milia. Over time they may simply heal themselves, or they may need to be extracted by a medical professional. Dr. Perricone’s product line can keep aging at bay, but unfortunately will not clear up milia.
Dear Dr. Perricone,
I am a 50 years old woman who got laser hair removal 6 years ago all over my body and face. Since then I started getting these hard white bumps on my face (around the eyes) and dispersed through my body.
I now know that the bumps are milia caused by the damage to the cells at the follicle level.
I have been told that a dermetologist can remove these bumps but considering the shear number of them that would be difficult. I have had facial laser procedure which temporarily zapped these little bumps I hate so much but they came back.
Could milia be removed permanently by distroying the glands which produce the white stuff? Dr. Perricone please please help…
I look forward to hearing from you.
Pari
Physics prof.
Langara College
Vancouver BC
Canada
Dear Pari,
Thanks for your question. As a service to our clients, we are able to answer very general questions about health and wellness. It would not be possible to diagnose your skin concerns remotely.
Since you have visited a dermatologist who has medically assessed these bumps as milia and offered a treatment plan we would recommend following their recommendation. Your doctor is most familiar with your skin and best equipped to address the bumps that developed.
I have milia under my eye and on the lid. It seems I get them when I use any eyecream the thas dimethicone in it. Can you give me any suggestions?
Hello
I have milia and have had them extracted. They continue to come back. If I continue to have them extracted will they eventually go away and not come back.??
Or is there an antibiotic that I can take to get rid if them?
Thanks
Curtis
I am 61. My skin is fair. Little to no sun damage. Face is sagging. Aging on neck. Signs of aging especially around mouth. Skin is slightly sensitive. Alpho Lipoic acid burns skin. Want a lift, contour around eyes, and to regain the radiance I had just a few year’s ago.
What products would work best for me?
Thank you
I, unfortunately, was a sun worshiper as a young adult. I now pay the price of brown spots all over my body. Is there something I can use to get rid of them? there are SO many, I would have to take a shower in the product, if there in fact is a product to eliminate them. They really make me self consious. HELP please!!
Thank you.
We recommend you try our Pigment Corrective Topical to help reduce skin discoloration and sun damage.