Close-up of an eye with a small, pearl-like bump on the eyelid, symbolizing Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC)

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

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A rare condition can cause recurrent, harmless bumps on the eyelid. Here’s what you should know and when to see a dermatologist."

Have you ever noticed tiny, white bumps on your eyelids that resemble milia? While milia are common and generally harmless, sometimes these bumps can be a sign of a rarer condition called milia-like idiopathic calcinosis cutis (MICC). MICC is a distinctive type of idiopathic calcinosis cutis, known for its unique clinical and histological features.

Most cases of MICC occur in children, often associated with Down syndrome. However, there are instances where MICC appears in individuals without Down syndrome. This article delves into a rare case of recurrent MICC in a healthy young adult, shedding light on the condition and what you need to know.

This article is inspired by a published paper, which reports a rare case of recurrent MICC after complete removal in a patient who had no evidence of Down syndrome.

What Is Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC)?

Close-up of an eye with a small, pearl-like bump on the eyelid, symbolizing Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC)

Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) is a rare skin condition characterized by small, white bumps that resemble milia. These bumps are caused by calcium deposits in the skin. Idiopathic means the condition arises spontaneously, without an identifiable cause.

Here’s what to know about the signs, diagnosis and what to do about MICC:

Appearance: Smooth, firm, whitish papules resembling milia. These papules are occasionally surrounded by erythema (redness) and may have a central crust, indicating transepidermal elimination of calcinosis.
Location: While MICC often affects the hands and feet, it can also appear on the face, although this is less common. The case highlighted in the research paper involved the upper eyelid.
Recurrence: In some instances, MICC can recur even after complete removal, as seen in the reported case.

The research paper detailed the case of a 17-year-old Korean boy who presented with a solitary whitish papule on his right upper eyelid. He had the lesion removed six years prior, but it recurred in the same area. A physical examination revealed a 5 mm sized firm white papule similar to the milia he had experienced before. His physical and mental development were normal, and he had no history of trauma or dermatosis at the site of the lesion.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

While MICC is generally harmless, it's essential to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. A dermatologist can rule out other conditions, perform necessary tests like biopsies, and provide guidance on treatment options. Early diagnosis and management can help prevent recurrence and ensure the best possible outcome. If you notice any unusual or persistent bumps on your skin, particularly on your eyelids, it's always best to seek professional medical advice.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC)?

Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) is a rare skin condition where small, white bumps resembling milia appear on the skin, often on the eyelids. The term 'idiopathic' indicates that the condition arises spontaneously without a known cause. The bumps are due to calcium deposits forming in the skin. While MICC is generally harmless, it's important to differentiate it from other conditions and understand its potential for recurrence, as highlighted in the case of the 17-year-old Korean boy.

What does Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) look like, and where does it typically appear?

The appearance of Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) includes smooth, firm, whitish papules that look like milia. These papules may sometimes be surrounded by redness (erythema) and might have a central crust, which indicates transepidermal elimination of calcinosis. This means the calcium deposits are being expelled through the skin. MICC can appear on the hands and feet, but it also appears less commonly on the face. The papule on the upper eyelid is solitary and has reoccurred after previous removal.

When should I be concerned about bumps that look like milia and seek medical advice?

While Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) is often harmless, seeing a dermatologist is important for accurate diagnosis and proper management. A dermatologist can rule out other conditions, perform tests like biopsies to confirm MICC, and provide guidance on treatment options. Early diagnosis and management may help prevent recurrence and ensure the best outcome. If you notice unusual or persistent bumps, especially on your eyelids, seeking professional medical advice is recommended to ensure proper evaluation and care.

Why is Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) an important condition to understand?

Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) is significant because it demonstrates a rare skin condition with unique clinical and histological features. Most cases occur in children and are often associated with Down syndrome, but MICC can also appear in individuals without Down syndrome, as highlighted by the recurrent case in a healthy young adult. Understanding MICC helps dermatologists accurately diagnose and manage the condition, preventing misdiagnosis and ensuring appropriate care.

Is Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC) likely to come back after being removed?

Recurrence is a notable aspect of Milia-Like Idiopathic Calcinosis Cutis (MICC). The condition can recur even after complete removal, as demonstrated in the case of the 17-year-old Korean boy. Understanding the potential for recurrence informs the approach to managing MICC, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and appropriate follow-up care after treatment. The recurrence suggests that even if the initial lesion is removed, there is a possibility of it reappearing in the same area.