Milia are tiny cysts that occur for unknown reasons in infants. Milia are tiny (about an 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter) cysts. Milia are smooth, white cysts often found on the face. This image displays milia, the small, white bumps at the center of the forehead. Though they are white in color, milia are filled with skin scale (keratin), not pus.
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Milia  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Milia: Milia are tiny cysts that occur for unknown reasons in infants. Divider line
Milia are tiny cysts that occur for unknown reasons in infants.
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Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for primary milia in infants include:
  • Around the nose
  • Around the eye (periorbital area)
  • Cheeks
  • Chin
  • Forehead
Very rarely, infants may develop milia in the following locations:
  • Trunk
  • Limbs
  • Penis
  • Mucous membranes such as inside the mouth
A milium appears as a small (1–2 mm), white to yellow, dome-shaped bump in the superficial skin.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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