Have you noticed tiny white or yellowish bumps appearing on your cheeks, around your eyes, or beneath your lower eyelids? These small bumps are common skin concerns that can affect people of different ages. Although they may resemble whiteheads or clogged pores, they are often something different: milia.
Milia are small, firm cysts that develop when keratin, a protein naturally found in the skin, becomes trapped beneath its surface. They are usually harmless and do not necessarily indicate poor hygiene, unhealthy skin, or an underlying medical condition.
The good news is that many cases of milia disappear without treatment. Understanding what causes them and choosing the right skincare routine can help you care for your skin without causing irritation or scarring.
What Are Milia?
Milia are tiny, white or cream-colored bumps that typically measure around one to two millimeters across. They commonly appear on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and especially around the eyes.
Unlike ordinary acne pimples, milia usually do not contain pus, become inflamed, or have an opening that allows their contents to be squeezed out easily.
They form when dead skin cells and keratin become trapped beneath the outer layer of the skin.
There are several types of milia, including:
- Primary milia: These develop spontaneously and are common in infants and adults.
- Secondary milia: These can develop after skin damage, burns, certain skin conditions, or some cosmetic procedures.
- Milia around the eyes: These are particularly common because the skin in this area is delicate.
Although milia are harmless in most cases, other conditions can cause similar-looking bumps. Persistent, changing, itchy, or inflamed lesions should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
What Causes Tiny White Bumps on the Face?
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