Hello Doctor,
I have 2-3 milia under my eye and read online that they might be linked to high cholesterol. However, I suspect this is misinformation confusing milia with xanthelasma. I have a healthy lifestyle, so should I be worried? Is there any real connection between milia and cholesterol?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
1. You're absolutely right to question the information you found. Milia and cholesterol-related skin conditions, such as xanthelasma or eruptive xanthomas, are entirely different. Milia are small, harmless cysts caused by trapped keratin under the skin. They are not linked to high cholesterol and can develop in anyone, including newborns, regardless of cholesterol levels.
2. Xanthelasma, on the other hand, appears as yellowish plaques near the eyes and can sometimes indicate high cholesterol, but this is not the case with milia. Given that you maintain a healthy lifestyle and have only a few milia, there is no reason to be concerned about cholesterol.
3. If the milia bother you, they can be safely removed by a dermatologist using simple procedures like manual extraction, laser treatment, or chemical peels. Otherwise, they often resolve on their own over time. You can rest assured—there is no connection between milia and cholesterol.
Thanks
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