What are the skin tags around the eyes?

1. Milia
   Milia are the tiny light yellow spot caused by the blockage of oil glands. It can be caused by the temperature stimulation, thick dead skin due to improper cleansing or using some oil-based skin care and cosmetic products. These raised lesions usually appear under the eye area because that is where the eye products are applied. They also appear around nose or T-zone areas where are rich in oil glands. To get improvement, it is better to start from more proper cleansing and apply proper eye products. Some cleansing products with ingredients AHA/BHA can help to soften the dead skin and clear the pores, yet the results can only be seen after awhile. Some people may like to use scrubbing products and try to rub away the milia, but you have to be very careful when doing this because the skin under the eye area is very thin and fragile. It is also important to choose eye products and avoid using those which are too oily. The best way to get rid of the stubborn milia is to ask doctor to remove them by laser treatment.
2. Sweat Gland Hyperplasia
   Sweat gland hyperplasia are benign bumps which are caused by the overgrowth of cells from sweat glands. The size of sweat gland hyperplasia is about 3-6mm diameter. They usually occur in clusters on the upper cheeks and lower eyelids in light yellow or flesh color. They do not itch or cause pain and people want to remove them mainly for cosmetic reason.
3. Sebaceous Hyperplasia
   Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common harmless enlargement of the skin oil glands. The size is about 2-4mm diameter. The cause is unknown and it can occur in any part of the body. The appearance of the sebaceous hyperplasia is similar to comedone or pimple. Some people may try to pop it at the beginning but it only makes condition worse due to uncontrolled inflammation.
   The best way to remove it is to use carbon dioxide (CO2) laser although this treatment is mainly for cosmetic purpose. There is chance to re-occurrence though, and the reaction to the treatment can be different among different individuals. It is better to consult and discuss with the doctor first.
4. Xanthelasma
   Xanthelasma are skin patches composed of fatty material and they usually appear around the upper eyelids or under eye areas. They are flat, yellowish and formed in the dermal area. They are mostly found in middle-aged patients. Clinically, people suffered from Xanthelasma may also be found to have high cholesterol level, but on the other hand not everyone with high cholesterol level is found to have Xanthelasma. Hence, we still cannot associate the two together, and the cause is still unknown. Xanthelasma is harmless but they will not disappear by themselves. Removal of Xanthelasma is mainly for cosmetic reason but there is 50% chance of re-occurrence after the procedure. The removal method is by carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, to clear away the fatty material. The same treatment can be repeated if they occur again.