White Bumps on Eyelids
Medically Reviewed by
- Peter Webb, M.D.
Question
I get these little white bumps around my eyes/eyelids that come and go. I know these are common, but I heard they could actually be a sign of high cholesterol?
Answer
Milia are pin-head sized white bumps on the face, often around the eyes. They are tiny cysts caused by "clogged oil glands" and are distantly related to the tendency for acne. Using greasy creams can create milia, but most often they come and go for unknown reasons. If they persist, dermatologists poke them with a needle to extract the hard white material.
Elevated blood cholesterol can be associated with a different, more rare, eyelid growth termed "xanthelasma". This is a dime-sized patch of yellowish skin found on the inner upper eyelids.