Milia near the eye, also known as milium, milk spots, or milia bumps, are small, white or yellowish cysts that often pop up and won't go away. They might look a bit concerning because they’re so close to your eyes, but they’re usually harmless. Still, it’s helpful to know what causes them, the risks involved, and how you can treat or prevent them.
What Are Milia?
Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts that form just beneath the skin's surface. They occur when dead skin cells become trapped in small pockets, creating the characteristic white or yellow bumps.
Eye milia are particularly common because the skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, making it prone to these cysts. The bumps don’t cause any pain or discomfort and are typically symptom-free.
Common factors that contribute to milia formation are:
Dead skin cells that aren’t shed naturally can clog pores, forming milia
Skin trauma, sun damage, burns, or other skin injuries can trigger milia formation
Thick creams or occlusive skincare products near the eye area can clog pores
Genetics
Types of Milia
Here are the several types of milia, each with distinct causes and characteristics:
Primary Milia:Â These are the most common type, forming when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin. They can appear in people of all ages, including infants.
Secondary Milia:Â These develop due to skin damage, such as burns, blisters, or excessive sun exposure. They form as the skin heals and keratin gets trapped under the surface.
Neonatal Milia:Â Found in newborns, these usually appear on the face and resolve on their own within a few weeks.
Juvenile Milia:Â Caused by genetic conditions, these are less common and can be associated with certain inherited disorders.
Milia en Plaque:Â A rarer form, these occur in patches and are often linked to autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.
Multiple Eruptive Milia:Â These present as clusters of milia over time and can appear on the face, arms, or upper torso.
Milia can affect people of all ages, they are not contagious nor a sign of a more serious medical issue.
Are Milia Near the Eye Dangerous?
For most people, milia near the eye are a cosmetic concern rather than a health risk.
In most instances, milk spots don’t cause pain, itching, or inflammation. However, there are a few scenarios where you should seek medical advice:
Persistent or growing bumps
Signs of infection, redness or irritation
Interference with vision
If the milia bumps under the eyes don’t resolve on their own or seem to increase in size, consult a dermatologist or ophthalmologist. While milia are not often inflamed, irritation, redness, swelling, tenderness, or pus could indicate an infection or another underlying issue.
Rarely, milia near the eye can become large enough to affect your sight, necessitating treatment.
How to Treat Regular Milia Bumps Under Eyes?
Milia could be around for years but will often disappear on their own within a few weeks to months. If you want to speed up the process, there are safe ways to do so:
Dermatologists can remove milia using a sterile needle or laser treatment, minimizing the risk of scarring
Incorporate a mild exfoliating product with ingredients like glycolic acid or retinoids, but avoid using these too close to the eyes
Use lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers formulated for the sensitive eye area
Avoid DIY milia removal:Â Attempting to squeeze or pick at milia can damage the skin barrier around your eyes and lead to scarring or infection.
How to Treat Inflamed Milia Near the Eyes?
When milia becomes inflamed, act promptly to prevent complications. Inflammation can occur due to irritation, infection, or improper attempts at removal.
Here’s what to do for milia inflammation treatment:
Topical antibiotics
Oral antibiotics
Avoid touching the eye area
Surgical procedure (rare)
A doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to reduce infection. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics might be necessary to treat the infection. Refrain from rubbing or scratching the area to prevent further irritation or spreading of bacteria.
In rare cases, if milia become severely infected or grow persistently large, a minor surgical procedure may be needed. This could involve lancing the cyst with a sterile instrument or laser surgery to remove it entirely. Such procedures are quick and performed under local anesthesia.
Dangers to Eye Health
If the inflammation spreads, it could lead to cellulitis, an infection of the deeper layers of skin. This can cause redness, swelling, and pain around the eye, and it may require immediate treatment.
Severe infections could potentially affect the surrounding eye tissue. Patients report feeling discomfort, impaired vision, and, in rare cases, more serious complications like orbital cellulitis.
General Health Risks
Left untreated, an infected milia cyst could lead to systemic issues if the infection spreads to the bloodstream, though this is rare.
If you suspect your eye milia is infected or inflamed, consult a dermatologist or ophthalmologist for appropriate care.
Preventing Milia Near the Eye
Prevention is always better than cure. To minimize the likelihood of developing eye milia:
Cleanse your face daily and gently exfoliate weekly to prevent dead skin buildup
Apply sunscreen suitable for the eye area and wear sunglasses to shield your skin from harmful UV rays
Opt for lightweight formulations for your beauty products that won’t clog pores
Avoid overuse of makeup
RELATED: Eye Infection from Makeup
Conclusion
Milia near the eye might seem annoying, but they’re typically not a big deal. That said, if you notice them getting bigger, feeling sore, or showing signs of infection, it’s worth checking in with a doctor. The right care can make all the difference. With the right approach, you can address and prevent eye milia, keeping the skin around your eyes smooth, healthy, and worry-free.
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✅ Medically reviewed
Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.