What is the Difference Between Milia and Comedones?

Milia and comedones are both types of skin blemishes, but they have distinct differences:

Milia:

• Milia are white or yellow cysts that occur when dead skin cells get trapped under the skin.
• They often form in clusters and can be found on both the face and body.
• Milia are not typically painful and are hard to the touch.
• They are caused by the buildup of a natural protein called keratin becoming trapped just below the skin's surface.

Comedones:

• Comedones are small, flesh-colored, white, or dark cysts that occur when dead skin cells and oil form a plug and block hair follicles.
• They usually present on the face, specifically on the chin, cheeks, and forehead.
• Comedones can be painful if they become infected by bacteria.
• They are a result of excess oil and dead skin cells clogging a pore or hair follicle.

When comparing the two, milia generally appear around the eyes and eyelids, while closed comedones are typically found on the face. Milia are hard, white bumps that don't "pop," while closed comedones are flesh-colored and can be painful if infected. If you are unsure whether your blemishes are milia or comedones, it is best to consult a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Comparative Table: Milia vs Comedones

Milia and comedones are two different types of skin cysts or bumps that are usually harmless. Here is a table comparing the differences between milia and comedones:

Milia are white or yellow cysts formed when dead skin cells get trapped under the skin, while comedones are small, flesh-colored, white or dark cysts formed when dead skin cells and oil form a plug and block hair follicles.