small white bumps below eye milia child causes treatment
Those small white/yellowish bumps below the eye are milia (also called "milk spots").
What are Milia?
Milia (singular: milium) are tiny, superficial keratin-filled cysts that form just under the skin surface. They look like small white or pale yellow dots, typically 1-2 mm in size.
What causes them?
They form when dead skin cells (keratin) get trapped in a small pocket under the skin instead of naturally shedding. They are NOT pus-filled and NOT contagious.
Who gets them?
Very common in newborns and young children (often called "milk spots")
Can also appear in older children and adults
Most commonly appear around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and chin
Are they harmful?
No - milia are completely harmless and benign. They cause no pain or discomfort.
Will they go away?
In babies and young children, they almost always disappear on their own within a few weeks to months - no treatment needed
In older children/adults, they may persist longer
What NOT to do
Do not try to squeeze or pop them at home - the skin around the eyes is very delicate and this can cause scarring or infection
When to see a doctor?
If they persist for many months, a dermatologist can safely remove them using a fine sterile needle - this is a quick, simple procedure. But given that this appears to be a child, the most likely outcome is they will resolve on their own.
Bottom line: Nothing to worry about - these are milia, a very common and harmless skin finding in children.
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