Milium cyst
Frequency
Common
Age Group
All Ages
Progression
Self-Limiting
Contagious
No
Milia are tiny, white or yellowish cysts just under the surface of the skin, most often seen on the face. They are harmless, not infectious, and usually cause only cosmetic concerns rather than health problems.
This is general information. With a scan you'll receive a detailed, personalized analysis — including individual risk assessment, progression tracking and recommended actions.
Milia form when dead skin cells and keratin get trapped under the surface of the skin instead of shedding normally. Genetics, UV exposure, skin injury, and hormonal or metabolic changes can all contribute, but often there is no single clear cause.
Milia themselves are harmless and do not affect general health, but they can signal underlying issues like hormonal imbalance, metabolic problems, or chronic sun damage. The main risks are cosmetic distress, picking‑related scarring, and occasional secondary infection if lesions are manipulated.
The only reliable way to remove existing milia is physical removal by a professional, using sterile tools, laser, radiofrequency, or electrocoagulation. Creams, scrubs, and peels may help prevent new lesions but rarely clear fully formed cysts, so avoid squeezing them yourself and see a dermatologist or cosmetic specialist.
You can lower the chance of new milia by gentle daily cleansing, avoiding heavy or pore‑clogging products, protecting your skin from UV, and treating any underlying health issues. Regular skin checks, both at home and with our AI skin analysis, help you spot changes early and adjust your routine.
See a dermatologist or cosmetic dermatologist for diagnosis and safe removal of milia, especially on the face or around the eyes. Use our AI skin analysis between visits to track changes and decide when an in‑person check is needed.
Milia are not an emergency and can usually be assessed at a routine dermatology visit, but you should seek earlier care if bumps become painful, inflamed, or start to look different from typical white cysts.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist or physician if you have any concerns.
An open comedone, or blackhead, is a small plug of oil and dead skin that blocks the opening of a pore and turns dark when exposed to air. It is a non‑inflamed form of acne and most often appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Blackheads are usually harmless but can be a cosmetic concern and may progress to inflamed pimples if bacteria overgrow.
A closed comedone (whitehead) is a small clogged pore where sebum and dead skin cells are trapped under a thin layer of skin. It looks like a tiny, pale or skin‑colored bump without a black dot in the center and is considered a mild, non‑inflamed form of acne.
An acral nevus is a benign mole that appears on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It is usually small, evenly colored, and stable over time, and most do not turn into melanoma. Because melanoma can also appear on palms and soles, any new or changing spot in these areas should be checked by a dermatologist.
Seborrheic keratosis is a very common benign skin growth that looks like a stuck‑on, warty or waxy spot on the skin. It usually appears after age 40–50, often in many spots, and does not turn into skin cancer in most people.
