Close-up of an eye with milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC) on the eyelid.

Milia-Like Bumps on Your Eyelid? What You Need to Know About Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Learn about the rare skin condition, milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC), that can cause recurring bumps on the eyelids and how it's diagnosed and treated."

Have you ever noticed small, white, milia-like bumps popping up on your eyelids and stubbornly returning even after removal? This could be a rare skin condition called milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC). While most cases appear in children, especially those with Down syndrome, it can sometimes occur in otherwise healthy individuals. In this article, we'll explore MICC, its causes, diagnosis, and what you can do about it.

Milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC) is a distinctive type of idiopathic calcinosis cutis, showing remarkable clinical and histological features. Typical symptoms includes the apperance of small white bumps on the skin, often resembling milia. These bumps consist of calcium deposits in the skin, giving them a hard, cyst-like feel. What sets MICC apart is that it occurs without any underlying medical condition or injury that would normally cause calcium deposits to form in the skin.

Doctors diagnose MICC primarily through a physical examination and by ruling out other conditions. A skin biopsy, where a small sample of the affected skin is removed and examined under a microscope, can confirm the diagnosis. The biopsy helps identify the calcium deposits and exclude other possible causes of the bumps, such as epidermal cysts or tumors.

Unpacking the Mystery of Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC)

Close-up of an eye with milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC) on the eyelid.

The exact cause of MICC remains a puzzle for doctors. Unlike other forms of calcinosis cutis, MICC isn't linked to systemic diseases, trauma, or inflammation. Several theories have been proposed, but none have been definitively proven. These include:

The symptoms of milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC) can include:

Small, white or yellowish bumps on the skin resembling milia.
Firm or hard feel to the bumps.
Location primarily on the face, especially the eyelids, but can occur elsewhere.
Possible surrounding redness or inflammation.
Occasional crusting or drainage from the bumps.
Recurrence of bumps after previous removal.

MICC appears as smooth, firm, whitish papules resembling milia, and they are occasionally surrounded by erythema and some have a central crust that indicates transepidermal elimination of calcinosis. So, MICC may clinically be mistaken for warts, epidermal cysts, molluscum contagiosum, and syringomas.

Living with MICC: What to Expect

While there's no cure for MICC, the condition is generally harmless. The bumps are usually small and don't cause any pain or discomfort. However, they can be cosmetically bothersome, especially when they appear on the face. It's important to remember that MICC is a rare condition, and there's still much that doctors don't know about it. If you're diagnosed with MICC, be sure to discuss your concerns and treatment options with your doctor. With proper management, you can live a normal, healthy life.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC)?

Milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC) is a rare skin condition characterized by the appearance of small, white bumps on the skin, often resembling milia. These bumps are composed of calcium deposits within the skin. The term "idiopathic" indicates that the cause is unknown, and it's not linked to underlying medical conditions, injury, or inflammation, which distinguishes it from other forms of calcinosis cutis.

How is Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) diagnosed?

Doctors typically diagnose Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) through a physical examination, where they assess the appearance and characteristics of the bumps. A skin biopsy is often performed, involving the removal of a small skin sample for microscopic examination. This helps confirm the presence of calcium deposits and rule out other conditions that might cause similar bumps, such as epidermal cysts or tumors.

What are the potential symptoms of Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC)?

The symptoms of Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) include small, white or yellowish bumps that resemble milia, a firm or hard feel to the bumps, and the bumps often appear on the face, particularly on the eyelids, though they can occur elsewhere. The surrounding skin might show redness or inflammation. Sometimes, the bumps may crust or drain, and they often recur after removal. The bumps themselves are smooth and firm, sometimes surrounded by erythema and with central crusts.

What causes Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC)?

The exact cause of Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) remains unknown. Unlike other forms of calcinosis cutis, MICC isn't associated with systemic diseases, trauma, or inflammation. Several theories exist, but none have been definitively proven. This idiopathic nature sets MICC apart and highlights the challenges in fully understanding and treating this rare skin condition. The lack of an identified cause underscores the importance of ongoing research.

Is Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) dangerous, and how is it managed?

Milia-like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) is generally harmless, although it can be cosmetically bothersome. There is no cure for MICC. The primary focus is on managing the condition, and discussing treatment options with a doctor is crucial. The bumps themselves are usually small and painless, but their appearance on the face, especially on the eyelids, can be a concern. Because MICC is rare, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and management. Proper management can help individuals live a normal, healthy life despite the presence of the bumps.