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Milia in Adult
See also in: External and Internal Eye
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Milia in Adult

See also in: External and Internal Eye
Contributors: Rajini Murthy MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Milia (singular, milium) are minute epidermoid cysts (also known as infundibular cysts) that present as small white or yellow papules, usually on the face. They are typically smaller than 3 mm in diameter. They occur when sloughed off skin becomes trapped in the dermis. There is no predilection for sex or race / ethnicity.

Primary milia affect 40%-50% of newborns but may be found in patients of all ages.

Secondary milia often occur after cosmetic procedures (dermabrasion, chemical peels, ablative laser therapy) or trauma, or in conjunction with blistering disorders. Milia may occur in tattoos. Patients with skin phototypes IV through VI tend to be more likely to develop milia as sequelae of chemical peels. Blistering disorders that may heal with milia and scarring include epidermolysis bullosa acquisita; porphyrias, including porphyria cutanea tarda; bullous pemphigoid; herpes zoster; contact dermatitis (allergic, irritant); bullous lupus erythematosus; and dermatitis herpetiformis. Milia have also been known to occur in areas of topical steroid-induced atrophy. Persistent or widespread milia are associated with many syndromes (see Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls).

Milia en plaque refers to a rare entity that typically occurs in the periauricular area.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L72.0 – Epidermal cyst

SNOMEDCT:
254679001 – Milia

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Last Reviewed:07/31/2024
Last Updated:08/01/2024
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Milia in Adult
See also in: External and Internal Eye
A medical illustration showing key findings of Milia (Adult) : Face, Female genital, Male genital, White color, Tiny papules
Clinical image of Milia - imageId=59031. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Few tiny, smooth, white papules near the eye.'
Few tiny, smooth, white papules near the eye.
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