Do I need to care about these small particles growing around my eyes?

The skin around the eyes is relatively fragile and prone to small particles. People often call them "fat particles". However, this may be a misunderstanding. The small particles in the corners of our eyes are not just fat particles . Moreover, these small particles not only affect the appearance, but may also be a health problem .

Today we will learn about the 4 common small particles around the eyes, understand their characteristics and coping methods, and deal with these small troubles around the eyes more correctly.

There are four main types of small particles around the eyes: milia, syringoma, filiform warts and flat warts . Their causes, appearances and treatments are different. We need to judge which type it is based on the characteristics of the particles so that we can adopt the correct treatment method. The following table summarizes these small particles.

4 common particles around the eyes

Next, let’s discuss them separately.

Milia (fat granules)

Milia (Source: Reference [5])

The above is a typical milia, commonly known as fat granules.

The cause of this is generally that the sebaceous glands secrete too much sebum, causing the sebum to be blocked in the stratum corneum, forming small cysts, just like the skin of a balloon filled with water.

It generally has nothing to do with overnutrition or the use of eye cream, but if there has been skin damage, burns, frequent rubbing, etc., it may sometimes indirectly cause milia by destroying the skin structure.

Milia mainly appear around the eyes and cheeks. They are usually white in appearance, occasionally a little yellow, and vary in diameter, but are generally small, about 1 to 3 mm. In addition, since it is a cyst, it feels hard to the touch, but fortunately it is painless, itchy, and not contagious .

There are several ideas for dealing with this:

• Routine cleaning of the skin around the eyes;

• Avoid excessive friction and rough squeezing of the skin around the eyes to reduce skin damage;

• If you need to improve your appearance, you can consult a dermatologist for professional treatment, such as laser or needle picking.

Syringoma

Syringoma (Source: Reference [6])

The above is a typical manifestation of syringoma, which is significantly different from milia, for example, there are no cystic changes, and it is not the kind of round hard particles.

The cause of syringoma is a benign tumor caused by hyperplasia of the sweat gland ducts. It is generally painless, but occasionally causes discomfort.

This problem is more common in women, and is often symmetrically distributed on the eyelids and under the eyes . They appear as small, soft skin-colored or yellowish particles, and there are relatively many of them.

In addition, it is painless and itchy, but it may increase with age. However, there will be no obvious changes in a short period of time, and it is not contagious .

There are several principles to deal with this:

• Pay attention to daily facial skin cleaning, but do not overdo the care and skin care;

• Generally no treatment is needed, and lotions are ineffective;

• If you wish to improve your aesthetics or have growing concerns, you may choose destructive treatments such as laser, surgery, etc.

Filiform warts

Filiform warts (Source: Reference [7])

The above is a typical filiform wart, which is also equivalent to digital wart abroad. The two are different names for the same problem.

This is a type of viral wart caused by HPV. The rash is characterized by thin strips or finger-shaped, flesh-colored, and is common on the eyelids and neck. The rash feels hard because it is keratinized.

In addition, it is contagious to a certain extent . For example, frequent scratching, especially after breaking the skin, may cause new rashes to grow on nearby skin.

There are many ways to deal with it, such as:

• Do not cut or tear it yourself to avoid spreading the virus and causing infection;

• Pay attention to personal hygiene and do not share towels and other items with others;

• You can use topical treatments under the guidance of a doctor, such as high-concentration salicylic acid preparations;

• At the doctor's discretion, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or laser treatment may also be recommended.

Flat warts

Flat warts (Source: Reference [8])

Above is a typical flat wart on the face. Flat warts are also caused by HPV and usually appear on the face (including around the eyes and forehead), the back of the hands, and the arms.

As shown in the picture, flat warts usually appear as flat, round or oval flesh-colored or dark spots or particles. They are not particularly protruding and are not spherical like milia.

Flat warts are painless and itchy, and tend to grow in clusters. More importantly, they are contagious and may even be more contagious than filiform warts. The common way of transmission is self-transmission, such as scratching or excessive friction, which will cause new rashes to grow on the surrounding skin, just like sowing seeds.

There are several ways to deal with it:

• Avoid frequent contact with the lesions with your hands and do not scratch to reduce the risk of virus transmission;

• Wash your face and hands gently, and avoid excessive rubbing;

• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels;

• You can use topical treatments under the guidance of a doctor, such as high-concentration salicylic acid preparations;

• At the doctor's discretion, liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or laser treatment may also be recommended.

There are many types of small particles around the eyes. Milia, syringoma, filiform warts and flat warts have different causes and characteristics, so the best treatment method should be selected according to the type of particles. If the particles persist for a long time or increase significantly, you should consult a dermatologist and take appropriate treatment methods to solve the problem safely and effectively.

References

[1] UpToDate. Overview of Benign Lesions of the Skin. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/en/overview-of-benign-lesions-of-the-skin.

[2] Flat Warts. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24337-flat-warts

[3] Viral wart. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/viral-wart

[4] NHS. Warts and verrucas. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/warts-and-verrucas/

[5]https://www.estemedicalgroup.uk/

[6] https://veritas.com.sg/

[7]https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

[8] https://apaxmedical.com/

Planning and production

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital

Planning丨He Tong

Editor: He Tong

Proofread by Xu Lailinlin

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