In a nutshell
Milia look like tiny, firm white pearls, especially on the cheeks and eyelids. They occur in newborns as well as adults. They are neither dirt nor ordinary blackheads.
Why does it happen?
Keratin, a structural protein of the skin, collects in a small cyst beneath the skin surface. Some milia arise spontaneously; others develop after injury or blistering of the skin.
Frequency
Milia are common and occur from the newborn period through adulthood. Isolated skin pearls are clearly different from rare, extensive special forms.
Frequency is a qualitative description, not your individual probability.
Is it normal?
Individual typical milia are benign and do not need to be removed.
When to seek advice
Do not try to puncture them yourself near the eye. Seek dermatological advice if they become inflamed, change rapidly, or the diagnosis is uncertain.
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Sources (1)
- DermNet: milia (opens a new tab)
This source supports the description and physiological context of this entry.
Editorial update: . AI-assisted research and editing; not individually reviewed by a physician. How we research
