Health Care Encyclopedia
| |
MiliaDefinition: Milia are tiny white bumps or pimples. They occur when dead, normally sloughed-off skin becomes trapped in small pockets at the surface of the skin or mouth. Milia are common in newborn infants and appear as pearly white bumps, most commonly across the upper cheeks, nose, and chin. They are also commonly seen on the faces of adults or in areas of trauma or inflammation.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Irritation of the skin by rough sheets or clothing may cause mild reddening around the bump, but the central portion remains white. Irritated milia are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "baby acne" (although it is not actually a form of acne). As the surface of the white pearly bump wears away, the trapped dead skin is lost, and the bump disappears. Milia generally disappear after the first several weeks of life. In adults, milia may persist indefinitely. This same type of cystic structure is seen on the gums and soft palate of newborn infants. In these mucous membranes, they are called Epstein's pearls. These lesions also disappear spontaneously.
Symptoms: - Whitish, pearly bump in the skin of newborns, typically across cheeks, nose, and chin
- Whitish, pearly bump on gums or roof of mouth
Signs and tests: The doctor can usually diagnose milia just by examining the skin. No testing is necessary.
Treatment: In children, no treatment is needed. In adults, milia may be removed by a physician for cosmetic improvement.
Expectations (prognosis): In children, the lesions disappear spontaneously without treatment and without any residual defect. In adults, milia can usually be removed without scarring.
Complications: There are usually no complications.
Calling your health care provider: If you are concerned about milia, discuss it with your health care provider.
Prevention: There is no known prevention.
|
| Review Date: 4/30/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|  |
|
|
|
|
