You look closely in the mirror one morning and notice several tiny white bumps around your eyes or across your cheeks. They don’t look quite like ordinary pimples, and no matter how carefully you wash your face, they don’t seem to disappear.
These little bumps are often called milia.
Although they can be frustrating from a cosmetic point of view, milia are usually harmless. They aren’t the same as acne, and trying to squeeze them like pimples can actually make matters worse.
Understanding what milia are—and what they aren’t—is the first step toward dealing with them safely.
What Are Milia?
Milia are tiny cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin.
They contain keratin, a protein naturally found in the skin, hair, and nails. When keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin instead of being shed normally, a small, firm bump can develop.
A single bump is technically called a milium, while several bumps are called milia.
They usually appear white or pearly and can sometimes have a slightly yellowish appearance.
Unlike many pimples, milia usually aren’t red, swollen, or painful.
Where Do Milia Usually Appear?
Milia can develop almost anywhere, but they’re particularly common on the face.
Typical locations include:
- Around the eyes
- On the eyelids
- Across the cheeks
- Around the nose
- On the forehead
They can occur in people of different ages and skin types. Milia are particularly common in newborn babies, but children and adults can develop them as well.
Are Milia the Same as Whiteheads?
No.
This is one of the most important things to understand.
A whitehead is a type of acne lesion involving a clogged pore. Milia are small cysts containing trapped keratin.
Because they’re different conditions, squeezing a milium as though it were a whitehead usually doesn’t work.
The keratin is enclosed beneath a thin layer of skin.
Trying to force it out can instead cause irritation, bleeding, infection, discoloration, or scarring.
Are Milia Dangerous?
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