What is the difference between flat warts and milia?

The main differences between flat warts and milia are as follows: 1. **Etiology**: Flat warts are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), while milia are primarily due to blockage of the sebaceous gland ducts or irritation from cosmetics. 2. **Contagiousness**: Flat warts are contagious and can spread through contact, whereas milia are non-contagious. 3. **Clinical presentation**: Flat warts appear as flat, rice grain– to pea-sized papules, usually skin-colored or light brown, with a relatively smooth surface. Milia, on the other hand, present as hard, yellowish-white small granules, typically around 1–2 mm in diameter, commonly found around the eyes. 4. **Treatment**: Treatment for flat warts mainly involves topical antiviral medications, such as interferon, or physical therapies like cryotherapy and laser therapy. Milia can be treated with laser therapy, electrosurgery, or by puncturing with a fine needle and expressing the contents.