What Are Those White Pimples That Appear Around Your Eyes (Note: Don’t Squeeze Them!)

It is common for white pimples to appear on your facial skin, especially around your eyes. Some people mistake these for pimples. However, their composition is different and they should be treated differently.

HEALTH reveals what these “whiteheads” really are and why it’s not a good idea to try to remove them at home. Remember that, if in doubt, you should always seek the advice of a professional.

What are they?

These cysts appear when keratin (a protein) accumulates under the skin (dermis). Most of the time, they are white, but they can also have yellowish tint and measure from 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter. In fact, they appear in up to 50% of newborns and are most commonly found on their foreheads, cheeks, nose, and chin. However, they can also just appear on the upper part of the torso and on the baby’s limbs.

Generally, these protuberances do not cause pain, but there are people who may suffer from skin redness and irritation, mainly due to the friction between the milia and certain types of rough fabrics.

What causes them

In the case of newborn babies, the exact cause of milia still remains unknown. Scientists suspect they might even be born with them. On the other hand, in adults, it’s usually linked to some kind of previous skin damage, which can be: