People issued major warning if they have series of white spots on body including private parts

A dermatologist has issued a major warning to people who have a series of white spots on their bodies.

It's not uncommon to notice lumps and bumps all over your body; in fact, it's important to be able to distinguish which changes to your skin are harmless and which warrant a visit to the doctor.

Fortunately, the bumps we're talking about here are completely normal and nothing to worry about medically, and are often mistaken for tiny pimples or whiteheads.

Most commonly found on the face - such as the forehead, nose and under-eyes - and erupt in clusters, these white bumps are called milia.

Also referred to as milk spots, these bumps are harmless cysts created from a buildup of keratin and can also appear on your chest, back and even the genitals – again, it's nothing to worry about.

Milia can appear anywhere on the body (Getty Stock Images)

Milia can impact people of any age; around 40 to 50 per cent of babies have the condition, and are often asymptomatic, although some types of milia can cause itching.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the bumps will often disappear on their own within a couple of weeks. Long-term sun exposure, steroid creams or an autoimmune response often cause milia; however, they are not contagious.

Is there anything you need to be concerned about with milia?

Given the fact that milia are asymptomatic and not linked to any underlying illness, there is no cause for concern health-wise.

However, dermatologists have issued a warning when it comes to treating them: do not attempt to extract them at home, under any circumstances.

"They cannot be extracted easily," Marnie Nussbaum, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, explained to Women's Health.

Anyone who's tried to pop a particularly stubborn spot knows it often ends with your skin appearing red, inflamed and looking worse than it did in the first place.

I know it can be tempting, but don't pop them (Getty Stock Images)

And the same goes for milia, especially as they are typically covered by a layer of unbroken skin, according to Nussbaum. If you do attempt to pop a milia spot, you'll be unlikely to get anything out, but could end up scarring your skin.

"Picking at them often has little to no effect, and attempting to pop them will likely leave your skin red, irritated, and inflamed, with the milia still intact," dermatologist Joel Schlessinger added to the outlet.

So what can you do to get rid of stubborn milia?

You can visit a dermatologist to have them extracted; however, if that's too expensive an option, it's recommended to cleanse your skin regularly and incorporate an exfoliation or retinol treatment into your routine.