New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What are milia most commonly described as?

1. Red, inflamed areas on the skin

2. White hard sebaceous build-ups usually on the face/eyes

3. Small, raised bumps on the skin

4. Dark spots caused by sun exposure

The correct answer is: White hard sebaceous build-ups usually on the face/eyes

Milia are best described as tiny, white hard sebaceous build-ups that are typically found on the face, particularly around the eyes. These small cysts form when keratin, a protein found in skin cells, becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Unlike acne, which is often inflamed and red, milia are usually painless and do not cause any irritation. They can appear in various places but are commonly found around the eyes because this area has delicate skin that is more prone to disturbances in the skin's normal shedding process. The other descriptions do not accurately represent milia: inflamed areas on the skin generally denote conditions like acne or dermatitis, small raised bumps could refer to various skin issues but are not specific to milia, and dark spots caused by sun exposure are more typically referred to as sunspots or hyperpigmentation. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper identification and treatment in esthetics.