Milia

This is the name given to a series of white spots which develop on the nose, eyelids and face of newborn babies. These spots are not infectious or painful and usually disappear after two to three weeks.

Some babies have just a few spots whereas others will have a lot more.

Milia are also known as ‘milk spots’.

Symptoms of milia

Milia take the form of white or yellow spots which appear on the nose, eyelids, cheeks and chin. They can also develop inside the mouth or on the gums.

This type of milia is known as ‘Epstein’s pearls’. Milia are tiny cysts filled with keratin - a protein in the skin which helps to keep it strong and healthy.

Causes of milia

This rash is caused by blocked sebaceous glands within your baby’s skin which are responsible for producing an oil called sebum. This oil acts as a lubricant and helps to nourish both the hair and the skin.

But this oil and dead skin cells combine together to clog the pores of your baby’s skin. They form a series of bumps or milia spots on the surface of the skin which wear down over a period of time.

Dead skin under the spots is shed and the spots disappear.

Milia are not caused by poor diet or hygiene.

Treatment of milia

Milia tend to go away on their own and without the need for treatment. This usually occurs over a period of two to three weeks although it can take up to month for them to completely disappear.

Do not rub or pick these spots as this can lead to scarring. Don’t put cream or lotion on these spots and avoid any excessive washing of your baby’s skin.