Milia are tiny white bumps that appear on the skin. While adults can develop milia, the bumps most commonly appear on the skin of newborn babies. Over half of all babies have the small cysts, according to the Mayo Clinic. In both babies and adults, milia clear up without causing any lasting problems, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Symptoms
Milia commonly appear on the nose, chin or cheeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. They can also develop on the arms, legs and upper body. The bumps sometimes appear on the roof of a baby's mouth or on his gums; these are called Epstein's pearls, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Cause
Milia develop when dead skin is trapped at the surface of the skin or mouth, according to the National Institutes of Health. In adults, inflamed or injured skin may cause milia to develop. Abrasive clothing and bedding may cause skin irritation and redness around the bumps.
Duration and Treatment
The bumps typically clear up within a few weeks. Milia in infants usually go away during the first weeks of life, according to the National Institutes of Health. Milia do not require treatment, and treatment is not recommended for babies. If you have a problem with milia as an adult, your doctor can extract the contents of the bumps or prescribe a topical medication called tretinoin that may improve the condition, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Considerations
Infant acne is a common skin condition that appears in the first few weeks of life, and you may have a hard time distinguishing acne from milia. Generally, acne appears as fleshy red bumps and whiteheads on the cheeks, forehead or chin, according to pediatrician Alan Greene's website, DrGreene.com. Milia are usually smaller than pimples and appear white instead of red. Like milia, infant acne usually clears up on its own without treatment.
Warning
Do not squeeze the bumps or scrub your baby's skin; this could lead to infection or irritation. Do not use medications, oils or lotions on your baby's face unless your doctor recommends them, warns the Mayo Clinic.
