1️⃣ Introduction “I looked in the mirror and noticed small, white bumps around my eyes, but I’m not sure if they are milia or what.” “I tried to squeeze them, but nothing came out. Will they go away if I just leave them alone?” When small bumps appear around the eyes, it is difficult to determine whether they are acne, milia, or syringomas. This is because even if they look similar, their causes and treatment methods differ. Since attempting to remove them yourself can leave scars or hyperpigmentation, it is important to identify the specific condition first. 2️⃣ Explanation of Key Structure/Principles Milia are benign cysts measuring 1–2 mm in size that develop when dead skin cells and keratin accumulate beneath the skin. They are difficult to heal naturally and require medical removal. Dead skin cells that should normally be expelled become trapped inside the skin and harden into a granular form. They are not a malignant disease and are not contagious. If left untreated, the number of milia may increase or they may occur repeatedly. The areas around the eyes, eyelids, and under the eyes have thin skin and slow keratin shedding, making them high-frequency sites for lesions. 3️⃣ Factors Causing Divergent Diagnosis ① You Must First Confirm Whether the Bumps Are Milia There are conditions that look similar but require different treatment approaches. Milia are painful when pressed or accompanied by redness. Milia feel firm to the touch without an inflammatory response. Syringomas are benign tumors that primarily occur under the eyes and are associated with the proliferation of sweat gland tissue, so their treatment method differs from that of milia. Flat warts are a viral disease that can be contagious, so immediate diagnosis is required. Since it can be difficult to distinguish them visually, a diagnosis must be performed first. ② Results Vary Depending on the Removal Method Shallow milia in Gwangju are removed by creating an opening with a sterile needle and then extracting them. For lesions that recur frequently or are deep, a high-frequency method is considered. In areas with very thin skin, such as the eyelids, even minor irritation can lead to scarring or hyperpigmentation, so the level of expertise affects the outcome. Attempting to extract them yourself increases the risk of bacterial infection, and if the infection worsens, permanent scarring may remain even after treatment. This is why professional treatment is recommended. ③ Reasons for Recurring Milia Around the Eyes and Management Guidelines Cosmetics with a high oil content can clog pores, hindering the drainage of dead skin cells. Excessive use of eye cream, incomplete cleansing, and UV exposure slow down skin turnover, promoting the accumulation of dead skin cells. Milia removal is the process of treating existing cysts, while preventing recurrence falls under the realm of improving the skin environment (cleansing and moisturization). If the causative factors persist, new milia may develop. 4️⃣ Selection Criteria Checklist Please check the following first before considering milia removal. □ Is the area around the bump red or painful when pressed? (Check for the possibility of acne or inflammation)
□ Are there several small, bumpy protrusions under your eyes that are similar in color to your skin? (Check for the possibility of syringomas)
□ Have you attempted to remove it yourself and have you been left with pigmentation or scars? If you answer yes to the first or second item, it may not be milia, so it is recommended to get a diagnosis first. 5️⃣ Comparison Table: Milia vs. Syringoma ※ This is not a comparison of superiority or inferiority. The causes and treatment methods differ. Classification Milia Syringoma Cause Cyst formation due to accumulation of keratin/skin cells Proliferation of sweat gland tissue Main Areas Around the eyes, eyelids, and under the eyes Mainly under the eyes Appearance 1~2mm hard white granules Rough and bumpy similar in color to the skin Treatment Needle extraction or radiofrequency laser/radiofrequency (Treatment range varies) Recurrence Possible if lifestyle habits are not improved Possible recurrence possible ※ Application may vary depending on individual conditions (skin thickness, lesion depth, skin turnover rate). 6️⃣ Q&A Q1. Q1. How long do swelling or scabs last after milia removal in Gwangju? Swelling or scabs may occur immediately after removal due to a minor traumatic reaction. Since the skin around the eyes is thin, recovery varies from person to person. Usually, it stabilizes within a few days. If swelling persists for more than a week or is accompanied by heat or redness, there is a possibility of infection, so do not self-diagnose and seek medical attention. Q2. It is difficult to distinguish between acne and milia; can I remove them myself? Milia feel firm to the touch without inflammation, whereas comedonal acne tends to be accompanied by redness or tenderness. Since they may be conditions requiring different treatment approaches, such as syringomas or flat warts, attempting to remove them yourself without a diagnosis can lead to scarring, hyperpigmentation, or infection. This is an area that is difficult to approach based on personal judgment. Q3. Will milia recur even after removal? Milia removal treats the current cyst; whether or not it recurs depends on the speed of skin turnover and lifestyle habits. If triggering factors (oily cosmetics, incomplete cleansing, UV exposure) persist, new milia may develop. Removal and prevention of recurrence should be recognized as separate processes.7️⃣ Conclusion: The starting point is to first determine whether the bumps around the eyes are milia or another condition. Attempting to extract them on your own can lead to scarring or infection, so a diagnosis must be obtained first. Even after removal, the possibility of recurrence remains unless lifestyle changes are made concurrently.⚠️ Legal Notice and Side Effects Information ※ This article is for general informational purposes only.
※ This article was written in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act.
※ Individual results may vary for all procedures/treatments, and side effects (swelling, scabbing, pigmentation, scarring, infection, etc.) may occur.
※ Scars and pigmentation are more likely to occur in areas with thin skin, such as around the eyes, and recovery can be difficult, especially if accompanied by bacterial infection.
※ If adverse reactions persist for more than one week or are accompanied by a sensation of heat or redness, medical attention is required.
※ Results may vary depending on individual conditions (skin thickness, lesion depth, skin turnover rate, lifestyle).
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