Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 3 min read
Published 13 October 2026 · Reviewed by Dr Sin Yong
Syringoma is a small, benign growth of eccrine sweat-duct tissue within the dermis, seen as firm, skin-coloured to yellowish, flat-topped bumps of about 1 to 3 mm, usually in symmetrical clusters on the lower eyelids. It is more common in women and in Asian skin. Unlike milia there is nothing inside to extract, and unlike xanthelasma it is not linked to cholesterol. Treatment is optional; ablative laser or fine-tip electrosurgery can flatten the bumps, and recurrence is common.
Key facts
What it is
A benign growth of eccrine sweat-duct tissue within the dermis; a tumour only in the sense of a growth, not a cancer
Typical look
Firm, skin-coloured to yellowish, flat-topped bumps of 1–3 mm in symmetrical clusters
Sites
Lower eyelids and upper cheeks; less often the neck, chest or underarms
Treatment
Ablative laser or fine-tip electrosurgery; recurrence is common because the growth extends deeper than superficial treatment reaches
Where it fits
Syringoma is a frequent reason for an under-eye consultation that turns out not to be about dark circles or eye bags at all. The three small bumps of the eye area are made of different things: a milium is a sealed keratin pearl that is opened and expressed; a syringoma is solid duct tissue with nothing to express; xanthelasma is a soft yellow lipid plaque that raises a cholesterol question. Diagnosis is usually by examination under magnification, with biopsy reserved for unusual clusters. Full page: syringoma: the under-eye bumps that are not milia; compare milia and xanthelasma.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A syringoma is solid sweat-duct tissue; there is no keratin pearl or oil inside, so pressure only bruises thin eyelid skin and, in Asian skin, often leaves a brown mark.
No. They are benign growths and are not known to become cancerous. Their importance is cosmetic, which is why treatment is optional and weighed against the chance of recurrence and a small mark.
