Milia

The pearly papules on the cheeks (A), ear, and scalp (B) of 2 newborns are classic presentations of milia. The white or yellow papules range from 1 to 2 mm in diameter. They result from retained keratin and sebaceous material in pilosebaceous skin. The lesions commonly affect the face and may be present at birth or develop within the first few days of life.

Milia require no treatment and usually spontaneously regress by the age of 3 months. Well-meaning mothers may apply oils or lotions to the lesions, which can worsen the condition by further plugging the pilosebaceous glands. The mother of the infant in photo A had applied baby lotion to the lesions for about a week. She was advised to wash her infant's face with water only and to discontinue the lotion application. *