What are small, white, keratin-filled bumps commonly found around the eyes and forehead called?

The small, white, keratin-filled bumps commonly found around the eyes and forehead are known as milia. These tiny cysts form when keratin, a protein in the skin, becomes trapped beneath the surface. Milia often appear as small, raised white or yellowish lesions, and they are typically benign, meaning they are not harmful and often do not cause any discomfort.

Milia are particularly common in newborns, but they can also occur in individuals of any age. They usually resolve on their own over time, although they can also be treated through various dermatological procedures if desired.

Understanding that milia are distinct from other skin conditions is important. For example, comedones refer specifically to clogged hair follicles (open comedones are blackheads, while closed comedones are whiteheads), verruccae are types of warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and acne encompasses a range of skin issues that include various types of blemishes like pimples and cysts. Thus, recognizing milia allows for better differentiation in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.