milium

Introduction

1-2 mm, superficial, white to yellow, keratin-containing epidermal cyst.

Etiology

• arise from pluripotential cells in epidermal or adnexal epithelium
• may occur de novo especially around eye
• may occur in association with dermatoses, bullae or vesicles
  • bullous pemphigoid
  • porphyria cutanea tarda
  • bullous lichen planus
  • epidermolysis bullosa
• miliaria
• may occur in association with trauma
  • abrasions
  • burns
  • radiation therapy

Clinical manifestations

• multiply occuring 1-2 mm, superficial, white to yellow cysts
• distribution:
  • eyelids
  • cheeks
  • forehead in pilosebaceous follicles
  • sites of trauma
• milia may occur at any age

Management

excision & expression of contents

More general terms

• epidermoid cyst (wen, infundibular cyst)

Additional terms

• bullous pemphigoid; parapemphigus
• epidermolysis bullosa
• lichen planus
• miliaria (heat rash, sweat rash)
• porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)