Milia are small bumps made up of keratin trapped under the skin. They often develop around or under the eyes. Experts do not know why they happen but a trauma or the use of steroid creams may trigger them.
Milia frequently occur in newborn babies, though they also occur in children and adults. It can be easy to mistake milia for acne spots or skin tags.
For some people, including newborns, they may go away on their own, whereas removal may be necessary for others. When milia are close to the eyes, they may need special consideration to avoid damaging a person’s vision.
In this article, learn more about milia under the eyes, including their causes and possible treatments.
Milia are small spots, or cysts, that appear under the skin.
Some people may call them “milk spots.”
They are usually white, yellowish, or the same color as a person’s skin.
Milia are not a type of acne, though many people mistake them for acne blemishes or pimples at first. They can appear in other areas on the body, but in adults, they may be more common around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, and genitals.
Milia are actually small collections of trapped keratin. Keratin is what provides the strength to the skin cells, nails, and hair. As these skin cells die off and shed within pores, the keratin may collect and become trapped in the pore, forming a little cyst, or a milium.
When they appear very close to the eyes, a doctor may need the expertise of an ophthalmologist in treating the lesions. However, if they develop a safe distance from the eye, a doctor may feel comfortable performing in-office treatments to remove them.
The main cause of milia under the eyes may vary. In some individuals, it may be from trauma or undergoing a cosmetic procedure. However, there is no clear reason why some people develop milia while others do not.
Milia are very common in infants and children. In fact, they affect around 40–50% of newborns. The authors of a
Some people develop milia after trauma to the skin. In rare cases, a person may develop milia after using a topical medication, such as corticosteroids.
If a person goes to their regular doctor, they may refer them to a dermatologist, or a skin specialist. A visual examination is usually enough for a dermatologist to be able to diagnose milia.
If a person has a lot of bumps, a doctor may also want to check for underlying conditions that could be leading to multiple milia.
Not all cases of milia are preventable, as some people may be more susceptible to them than others.
However, general prevention tips include:
- maintaining a good skin care routine that includes gentle cleansing techniques
- avoiding trauma to the skin
- using a topical or prescription retinoid
Milia are tiny cysts that develop due to harmless buildups of keratin under the skin. They are common on the face and around and under the eyes.
Milia are not pimples, and attempting to pop them can cause further inflammation and scarring. The pores need to clear out the built up keratin for the milia to go away.
Professional treatments can help remove deeper milia or those in sensitive areas, such as around the eyes.
Anyone who experiences recurring milia in the same area may want to speak to their doctor or dermatologist for a full diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.