What is the Difference Between Milia and Xanthelasma?

Milia and xanthelasma are two different skin conditions that can cause bumps, particularly on the eyelids. Here are the main differences between the two:

Milia:

• Milia are small, white cysts that form on the eyelid, face, upper trunk, extremities, and genital area.
• They are sub-epidermal keratin cysts.
• Milia are commonly observed in infants and usually disappear on their own.
• Treatment options for milia include surgery or laser ablation, although many cases do not require treatment as they tend to resolve spontaneously.

Xanthelasma:

• Xanthelasma causes white-to-yellow, irregularly shaped bumps on the eyelids or around the eyes.
• It is a skin condition that results in yellow growths on or around the eyelids.
• Xanthelasma is seen in adults who suffer from certain underlying diseases.
• Treatment options for xanthelasma may include surgery, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, laser surgery, radiofrequency ablation, chemical peel, and surgery using extreme heat.

In summary, milia are small, white cysts that are commonly seen in infants and usually resolve on their own, while xanthelasma is a condition that causes yellow growths on or around the eyelids in adults with underlying diseases. Treatment options for each condition vary, with milia often not requiring treatment and xanthelasma having several treatment options available.

Comparative Table: Milia vs Xanthelasma

Here is a table comparing the differences between milia and xanthelasma:

Both milia and xanthelasma are different skin conditions that can form eyelid bumps or bumps in other areas of the skin. They have a genetic influence and can be differentiated by their appearance, location, and the age group they affect.