As the outermost part of our body, our skin is completely exposed to the elements, so it makes sense that people all over the world, of all ages, experience various skin conditions.

From psoriasis to eczema, most of the skin issues that we have are rooted in inflammation, but not every bump and discoloration is considered a skin condition worthy of intervention. Take milia for example.

If You See White Bumps on Your Skin, You May Have Milia

You may have experienced milia as an infant, but are unaware of it.

A milium cyst, or milia, is generally caused by entrapped keratin (the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails). It is most common in infants, with up to half of all infants developing it. This is because at this early stage in development the infant’s skin is still learning how to exfoliate. However, milia can occur in people of all ages when something clogs the ducts leading to the skin’s surface, like an injury or a burn.

Milia is often seen as tiny white bumps on the nose, chin, or cheeks, and can also be seen on other areas of the body.

Though milia are seen in both infants and adults, the types of milia vary, and treatment is different for each and is very often not necessary. Milia is generally completely harmless and will go away on its own. That being said, it’s important to understand how to identify these little bumps to understand if you should intervene or not.

The Different Types of Milia

Milia types are classified based on the age at which the cyst forms or what’s causing the cyst to develop.

Neonatal Milia

Neonatal milia develop within infants and clear up within a few weeks. Cysts are typically seen on the face, scalp, and upper torso. According to the Seattle Children’s Hospital, milia occurs in around 40% of newborn babies.

Juvenile Milia

Rare genetic disorders, such as Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), Pachyonychia congenita, Gardner’s syndrome, or Bazex-Dupré-Christol syndrome can lead to juvenile milia.

Milia en Plaque

This type of milia is often associated with genetic or autoimmune skin disorders, such as discoid lupus or lichen planus, and it affects the eyelids, ears, cheek, or jaw. It is commonly seen in middle-aged females, but it can be seen at any age in either gender.

Primary Milia

This type of milia is seen in older children and adults. Cysts can be found around the eyelids, forehead, or on the genitalia. It may disappear after a few weeks, or last for several months