What should you know about newborn whiteheads on the nose?

Milia are small, pearly white cysts formed when keratin becomes trapped near the skin surface. They commonly appear on a baby's nose, cheeks, or chin and are not the same as pus-filled infection. Some bumps may instead reflect temporary newborn acne or closed comedones. A photo or examination helps distinguish these possibilities because color and location alone cannot confirm a diagnosis.

Milia are not caused by dirt. Scrubbing, squeezing, or trying to open them can injure fragile skin and introduce bacteria. Read more about [Milia](/conditions/milia/) and [Whiteheads](/symptoms/whiteheads/) for background on these appearances.

Wash the face with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser when needed, then pat rather than rub. Keep creams, oils, and sunscreen products away from the eyes and mouth unless a clinician has recommended them for your baby. Do not use adult acne washes, exfoliants, retinoids, or home extraction tools. A clinician can advise whether a product is appropriate for newborn skin; [Topical Retinoids](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-retinoids/) are not a routine treatment to start without that advice.

If the bumps remain, note their color, texture, and whether they change. A clinician may simply observe them. Do not book an extraction facial for a newborn; [Acne Extraction Facial](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/acne-extraction-facial/) is an adult-oriented treatment.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if the skin becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, tender, crusted, or draining, or if the rash spreads. Seek urgent help if your newborn seems unusually sleepy, feeds poorly, has breathing difficulty, or has a fever. These signs are not explained by ordinary milia and need an examination.

Ask whether the appearance fits milia, newborn acne, or another rash; whether any cleanser or moisturiser should be stopped; and what changes should trigger a same-day call.