MiliaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Milia
Milia are tiny white bumps or small cysts on the skin. They are almost always seen in newborn babies.
Milia occur when dead skin becomes trapped in small pockets at the surface of the skin or mouth. They are common in newborn infants.
Similar cysts are seen in the mouths of newborn infants. They are called Epstein pearls. These cysts also go away on their own.
Adults may develop milia on the face. The bumps and cysts also occur on parts of the body that are swollen (inflamed) or injured. Rough sheets or clothing may irritate the skin and mild reddening around the bump. The middle of the bump will stay white.
Irritated milia are sometimes called "baby acne." This is incorrect since milia are not a true from of acne.
Symptoms may include:
- Whitish, pearly bump in the skin of newborns
- Bumps that appear across the cheeks, nose, and chin
- Whitish, pearly bump on gums or roof of mouth (they may look like teeth coming through the gums)
In children, no treatment is needed. Skin changes on the face or cysts in the mouth often go away after the first few weeks of life without treatment. There are no lasting effects.
Adults may have milia removed to improve their appearance.
Clear Dermatology LLC
. Dr. Galvin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milia. Her clinical expertise encompasses Pityriasis Lichenoides Et Varioliformis Acuta, Pityriasis Lichenoides, Actinic Keratosis, and Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur Syndrome. Dr. Galvin is board certified in American Osteopathic Board Of Dermatology.
Early in my training at the Mayo Clinic I was taught that the interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered. With that as my guiding principle, I strive to create a warm and trusting relationship with my patients so they may feel at ease discussing their skin care issues with me. I believe strongly in educating patients on how best they can be in control of their own outcomes; they are the ones who live day to day in their own skin and I need them to help with their care plan! Lastly, I try to administer a healthy dose of laughter with each prescription or procedure as I've found this helps my patients get better more quickly. Dr. Charles is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milia. He is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Seborrheic Keratosis, Warts, Actinic Keratosis, and Psoriasis. Dr. Charles is board certified in Dermatology.
Justin Finch is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Southington, Connecticut. Dr. Finch is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Milia. He is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Milia, Supernumerary Nipples, Piebaldism, and Syringoma.
There is no known prevention.
Published Date: April 06, 2025
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dinulos JGH. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 7.
James WD. Epidermal nevi, neoplasms, and cysts. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 24.
Younger SB, Martin KL. Dermatologic diseases of the neonate. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 688.