That white "seed" from a pimple is usually pus, a mix of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and skin debris, or sometimes a hard plug of sebum (oil) and dead skin, forming a whitehead, but it could also be a small cyst (milia) or a keratin plug. It's essentially your body's defense and clogged pore material coming out, and while tempting to pop, it's often best left alone to heal, say experts.
Milia, often referred to as milk spots or oil seeds, are small, benign cysts that appear as white or yellowish bumps on the skin. These cysts are filled with keratin, a protein that is naturally found in skin tissues, hair, and nails.
It's not possible to “pop” milia because they do not form in pores, they're simple bumps under your skin. Hence, unlike whiteheads or pimples (which do form in pores), milia seeds do not have a pore opening that you can squeeze them out of. This means that squeezing a milia seed isn't likely to push it out.
You've probably heard that squeezing or picking at a pimple is not a great idea, and the same goes for sebum plugs. By squeezing, you can push the contents deeper into the skin or break the pimple open, which allows the bacteria inside the pimple to spread and any bacteria on your hands to enter the pore.
You may be tempted to pop this unwanted guest, but it's not a good idea. Contrary to what pimple popping videos may show, squeezing your skin to extract the contents of a pimple — a mixture of oil, dead skin and bacteria — can cause scarring and infection.
Pimples refill after popping because you often don't remove all the pus and debris, pushing some deeper, while the inflammation continues, and the pore wall itself can be damaged, allowing oil (sebum) and dead cells to collect again, leading to recurrence in the same spot. Popping also creates an opening for bacteria, causing more inflammation and new pimples nearby.
Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small, shiny, spongy bumps on the surface of the skin. Usually they appear on the face, but they could develop anywhere on the body. The bumps may be a similar color to the surrounding skin, or slightly pink or yellow. They may also have a small indentation in the middle.
Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars. Because popping isn't the way to go, patience is the key. Your pimple will disappear on its own, and by leaving it alone you're less likely to be left with any reminders that it was there.
Exfoliate the Skin Regularly
Incorporate chemical exfoliants like Salicylic Acid or Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) into your skincare routine to help unclog pores and dissolve excess sebum. These ingredients penetrate deep into the pores, dissolving debris and preventing the formation of sebaceous filaments.
It is important to NEVER attempt to extract milia at home. You run the risk of seriously damaging your skin, plus developing an infection and scarring.
Milia seeds are often caused by overly rich creams or oil-based skin care products. For some people, they are hereditary or caused by hormonal changes. Certain medications and pollutants can also be contributing factors.
Milia (singular: milium) are small keratin-filled cysts that form just beneath the surface of the skin. Unlike acne or whiteheads, they're not caused by clogged pores or bacteria. Instead, milia develop when dead skin cells become trapped instead of naturally exfoliating—creating hard, pearl-like bumps under the skin.
How are milia treated?
Milia are characterised by small, white or yellowish bumps that are most commonly found on the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, and cheeks.
Pimples will go away on their own if you do not pop them. Your skin uses its own natural exfoliation process to push the pimple and its contents to the surface. You can actually see this process, called “purging”, happening when you begin using a retinoid.
Over time, the inflammation subsides, and the pimple either comes to a head and drains on its own or is reabsorbed by the body. This process might take a few days or even weeks, depending on the severity of the pimple.
Previously Popped Pimple
If you squeezed a whitehead, but it wasn't fully removed, it can become inflamed again. It's also possible for another pimple to appear next to it because the area got irritated and exposed to bacteria.
Pustules: These are pus-filled pimples that look like whiteheads surrounded by discolored rings. Picking or scratching your pustules can cause scarring.
You should avoid squeezing your sebaceous filaments. Sebaceous filaments are natural, and if you manage to squeeze out sebum, your pores will fill up again within 30 days. Your skin is sensitive, and your nails are much stronger than your skin.
Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps (pimples or cysts) on your eyelids, nose, or cheeks. They most often happen on infants' faces. But anyone can get them on any part of the body. You may hear milia (one is a milium) referred to as milk spots or oil seeds.
Don't try popping or draining the cyst yourself. This could cause an infection, and the cyst will likely grow back (recur).
The body's immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the affected area, resulting in redness, swelling, and the formation of pus. Over time, the pimple may either burst, allowing the pus to drain out, or it may resolve on its own as the inflammatory response subsides.
While the disorder has become extremely uncommon with the development of antibiotics, it still carries a very small chance to develop a high risk of death, and needs to be treated aggressively with antibiotics and blood thinners.
On the other hand, bumps caused by STDs, like herpes sores or genital warts, are often accompanied by pain, itching, or changes in appearance, and they tend to appear near the vulva, vagina, and anus.