“Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts on the surface of the skin,” Dr Marnie Nussbaum, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, told Women’s Health.
“They are often confused with whiteheads or acne breakouts. However, these bumps are filled with hard balls of keratin, as opposed to liquid sebum and bacteria. And they cannot be extracted easily.”
You might also have noticed similar white spots in your genital region, too.
These are often Fordyce spots, which appear as white or flesh-colored bumps on mucosal surfaces such as the lips and sometimes the genitals.
As per the Cleveland Clinic, the spots are ‘a common skin condition where oil glands appear larger’.
“They become more noticeable during or after puberty,” the website goes on. “They often appear on and around your lips and sometimes on your penis and vagina. They’re a natural part of your skin, but treatments can shrink or remove them.”
They’re not caused by anything, either. Typically, people are born with them, however, they might become more obvious when a person hits puberty.
Whether you’re experiencing milia or Fordyce spots, there’s one resounding warning from experts – and that’s not to try and pop or pick them.
When it comes to milia, Dr Nussbaum warned that due to the layer of skin covering the bump, nothing will come out and trying to pop a milia carries a risk of scarring.
It’s a similar story with Fordyce spots, with Healthline warning not to pick or attempt to pop them.
“Don’t pick or squeeze Fordyce spots,” it explains. “This won’t make them go away, and it can cause infections to develop.”
Can you treat the white spots?
Fordyce spots usually sort themselves out, however, you can remove them via a variety of methods.
For example, topical creams, like retinoids, can be applied. The Cleveland Clinic also lists some more extreme procedures:
– Cryotherapy
– Electrodesiccation
– Laser skin resurfacing
– Micro-punch surgery
Milia can also be treated, with the Cleveland Clinic explaining that the following procedures can also be an option:
– Application of adapalene gel or tretinoin cream
– Surgically removing the milia
– Cryotherapy
– Using medicated creams