Oregon Esthetician State Board

What is the term for epidermal cysts that appear as small, firm white papules?

1. Steatoma

2. Blackhead

3. Keloid

4. Milia

The correct answer is: Milia

Milia are small, firm white papules that form when keratin and skin cells become trapped beneath the surface of the skin. They are most commonly found around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Treating milia typically involves professional extraction or specific skincare routines that encourage exfoliation and help prevent their formation. In the context of skin conditions, steatomas refer to sebaceous cysts, which are generally larger and have a different appearance. Blackheads are open comedones resulting from clogged pores filled with oil and dead skin and lack the white papule formation characteristic of milia. Keloids are raised scars that develop at the site of an injury and do not resemble the small white cysts that milia present as. Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying and categorizing various skin conditions properly.