Milia, Whiteheads and Skin Tags: What Are These Bumps?
Milia are tiny keratin cysts, whiteheads are clogged pores linked to acne, and skin tags are soft hanging growths. None should be squeezed or cut at home.
Condition guide
Milia and skin tags
Also known as Milia, Skin tags, Acrochordons, Tiny white bumps, Whiteheads.
In short
Milia are tiny, hard, white cysts filled with keratin that sit just under the skin, and skin tags are soft, harmless, skin coloured or brown growths that hang from the skin on a small stalk. Both are usually harmless, but they are often confused with whiteheads, which are a form of acne and are treated differently. Squeezing, cutting or tying them off at home can cause infection, bleeding and scarring.
Typical signs
- Tiny, hard, pearly white bumps around the eyes, nose or cheeks
- Bumps that cannot be squeezed out
- Soft, small growths on a stalk on the neck, underarms, eyelids or groin
- Skin tags irritated by collars, chains or bra straps
When to see a dermatologist
- A bump bleeds, grows quickly, changes colour or looks different from the others
- You have many skin tags along with dark, velvety skin, weight gain or a family history of diabetes
- Milia are spreading or appeared after using a steroid cream
- Whiteheads are turning into painful pimples or leaving marks
- You want a bump removed safely, without scarring
Signs vary from person to person and several skin conditions look alike. Only an examination can confirm a diagnosis.
Read the guides
Full, referenced articles on milia and skin tags written for Indian skin, with answers to common questions.
Worried about milia and skin tags?
Book an online consultation with Dr. Maria Ansari for an assessment and a written care plan made for you.
This page is a short summary for general education and does not replace a consultation with a qualified dermatologist. Do not start, stop or change any medicine based on this page. Read the full medical disclaimer.