Milium vs Molluscum Contagiosum

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Milium
Molluscum Contagiosum
Category
Benign
Common
Key feature
Tiny white bumps on the face filled with keratin. Extremely common in newborns and adults. Harmless.
Viral infection causing small, firm, dimpled bumps. Extremely common in children. Usually self-resolving.
Risk factors
Newborn period (primary milia); Heavy skincare products (occlusives, rich eye creams); Sun damage (secondary milia)
Childhood (ages 1-10); Direct skin contact with infected individuals; Swimming pools and shared bathing
Action needed
Only if milia are cosmetically bothersome
If unsure of the diagnosis

Milium

Milia are tiny (1-2mm), dome-shaped, white or yellowish bumps that appear just beneath the skin surface. They are small cysts filled with keratin (the protein that makes up the outer layer of skin) trapped under a thin layer of epidermis.

Read full guide →

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (a poxvirus). It produces small (2-5mm), firm, dome-shaped, flesh-colored or pearly bumps with a characteristic central dimple (umbilication).

Read full guide →

Does yours look more like milium?

Quick self-check

Does this look like milium? Answer 2 questions.

Are they tiny (1-2mm) white or yellowish bumps, mainly on the face?

Are they hard and cannot be squeezed out like a pimple?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

Full ABCDE check →