What should you know about milia in newborn?

Milia form when keratin, a natural protein in the outer skin, becomes trapped close to the surface. On a newborn, they may look like small pearly dots on the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, or around the eyes. They are not the same as acne and are not caused by poor hygiene. A baby may have one bump or several, and the surrounding skin often looks normal.

Because a newborn's skin barrier is delicate, attempts to open a bump can cause irritation, bleeding, or infection. A bump near the eye can also be mistaken for another eyelid or tear-duct problem, so its exact position matters.

Wash the baby's face gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser when needed. Pat dry with a soft towel, avoid rubbing, and keep heavy ointments or oily products away from the bumps unless a clinician has recommended them. Do not pop, pin, peel, or use adult acne products. Newborn skin often settles as the trapped material works its way to the surface.

For a clearer overview, see [Milia](/conditions/milia/) and [Skin Bumps](/symptoms/skin-bumps/). Treatments such as [Topical Retinoids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-retinoids/) or [Curettage And Cautery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/curettage-and-cautery/) are not home treatments for a newborn.

Arrange a medical assessment if the area becomes red, swollen, warm, painful, crusted, or starts draining, or if your baby seems unwell. Seek prompt advice for a bump that affects the eye, causes marked watering, or sits on the eye surface. A clinician can check a persistent or unusual lesion and distinguish milia from other causes of [Whiteheads](/symptoms/whiteheads/).

Ask whether the appearance and location fit milia, whether any product should be stopped, and what changes would warrant a review. If the bump is near an eye, ask whether an eye examination is needed.