The key difference between milia and comedones is that milia are white or yellow cysts that occur on the skin when dead skin cells get trapped under the skin, while comedones are small, flesh-colored, white or dark cysts that occur on the skin when dead skin cells and oil form a plug and block hair follicles.
A skin cyst is a lump or bump filled with fluid or other substances just underneath the skin. They are usually common and harmless. They may have different causes and may disappear without treatment. Sometimes, cysts are confused with boils or skin abscesses. Milia and comedones are two different types of skin cysts.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are Milia
3. What are Comedones
4. Similarities – Milia and Comedones
5. Milia vs Comedones in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Milia vs Comedones
What are Milia?
Milia are tiny white or yellow bumps on the skin. They most often occur in infants’ faces. However, anyone can get them on any part of the body. Sometimes, milia are referred to as milk spots or oil seeds. They are common blemishes that affect 40 % to 50 % of newborns. The symptoms may include white or yellow bumps on the cheeks, chin, nose, trunks, or limbs that are painless and don’t cause itchiness. There are different types of milia, such as neonatal milia, primary milia, secondary milia, juvenile milia, milia en plaque, and multiple eruptive milia. Milia usually happens when dead skin cells do not slough away. Instead, they get trapped under the skin, harden, and form milia. Milia can also occur due to skin damage from something like a rash, an injury, sun exposure, long-term steroid usage, genes (inherited condition), or an autoimmune condition.
Figure 01: Milia
Moreover, milia can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examinations, and skin biopsy. Furthermore, the treatments for milia include medications like tretin cream, antibiotic minocycline, surgical procedures like needling and squeezing out contents, cryotherapy, and home and lifestyle changes (wash the baby’s face with warm water and soap, do not use lotions or oils meant for adults on babies, for adults over the counter treatment to exfoliate skin and sunscreen).
What are Comedones?
Comedones are small, flesh-colored, white or dark cysts on the skin that occur when dead skin cells and oil form a plug and block hair follicles. Comedones are pores or hair follicles that have gotten blocked with bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells to form bumps on the skin. They are not inflamed or painful. Comedones can be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads) by the skin. The typical symptoms include bumpy skin, blackheads, and non-inflamed blemishes. Comedones are commonly seen on the forehead, chin, jawline, face, neck, shoulders, or chest.
Moreover, comedones can be diagnosed through medical history and physical examination. Furthermore, the treatments for comedones include over-the-counter medications such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, differin (adapalene), topical retinoids, azelaic acid, and daily skincare routine.
What are the Similarities Between Milia and Comedones?
- Milia and comedones are two different types of skin cysts.
- Both cysts can be observed on different parts of the skin, such as the face, chest, and neck.
- They can be small.
- Both cysts can be inherited or run in the family.
- They are diagnosed through physical examination.
- They are mainly treated with specific topical medications
What is the Difference Between Milia and Comedones?
Milia are white or yellow cysts on the skin that occur when dead skin cells get trapped under the skin, while comedones are small, flesh-colored, white or dark cysts on the skin that occur when dead skin cells and oil form a plug and block hair follicles. Thus, this is the key difference between milia and comedones.
The below infographic presents the differences between milia and comedones in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Milia vs Comedones
Milia and comedones are two different types of skin cysts or bumps that are usually harmless. Both types of skin cysts can be mainly identified in adults. Milia are white or yellow cysts formed when dead skin cells get trapped under the skin. Comedones are small, flesh-colored, white or dark cysts formed when dead skin cells and oil form a plug and block hair follicles. So, this summarizes the difference between milia and comedones.
Reference:
1. Kinman, Tricia. “Milia: Definition, Causes, and Removal.” Healthline, Healthline Media.
2. “Comedones: What Are Your Removal Options?” WebMD.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Newborn Milia (Milk Spots)” By Serephine – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Comedo” By BedrockPerson – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia