White Pimples on forehead and around temples

[wade]

Hello, I'm a 37 year old caucasian man and have a few whiteish colored "pus head" like spots scatterd about my forehead and small areas of them patterned  almost in a straight line near my temples. They are about the size of a pin head and vary in size.  There is no redness around them. I've had them for 2 years now and they don't go away.  They don't hurt, but feel hardened, and cannot be pinched out of the skin like a regular pimple. I notice a new one appearing every few months.  I once tried applying a hot steamy rag to one on my forehead and pinching it thinking pus might erupt from it and it would clear up, but a few days after doing this it turned into a very small, boilish looking bump, also white in color. I've had that for a year now with no changes in color, size etc..  What are these white spots or heads?  What causes them?  Is there anyway to get rid of them?  Why did one erupt into a boil after trying to pinch it?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

These are most likely milia, small cysts.  They are common on the face.  Cause is unknown.  Treatment if desired consists of removal with an acne implement or light cautery with an electrical device.  Preventive measures are not available.  Pinching them can cause inflammation, is ineffective as a treatment, and should be avoided.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff