Milia

Alternative Names

Milia

What is Milia

Milia are tiny white bumps that affect the skin across a baby's nose, chin or cheeks. Although milia is prevalent among newborns, it can develop at any age. In reality, more than half of all babies suffer from milia.


Signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms of milia are:

  • Whitish, pearly bump in the skin of newborns, typically across the cheeks, nose and chin
  • Whitish, pearly bump on gums or roof of mouth (they sometimes look like teeth coming through the gums)


Possible complications

Typically, milia do not cause any complications.


What causes

Milia develop when tiny skin flakes become trapped in small pockets near the surface of the skin.


Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no prevention of milia. It is under the study.


Treatment

There is no necessity for the treatment in children. Skin changes on the face or cysts in the mouth usually go away after the first few weeks of life without treatment and without any lasting effects. In some cases, a doctor may remove milia in adults who want to improve their appearance.