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Milia

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Milia, Milium Cyst, Whitehead, Bohn Nodule, Epstein's Pearls, Dental Lamina Cyst

  • See Also
  1. Newborn Skin Exam
  • Epidemiology
  1. Incidence: 40-50% of newborns
  • Pathophysiology
  1. Superficial inclusion cysts due to retention of keratin (Keratin Cysts)
  • Signs
  1. Tiny (1-2 mm), flat, pearl-white to yellow Papules or cysts
  2. Distribution
    1. Face is most typical (Forehead, cheeks, nose, chin)
    2. Other areas: Upper trunk, extremities and penis
    3. Oral Mucosal Lesions in newborns (Bohn Nodules)
      1. Lingual alveolar ridge or crest (Dental Lamina Cysts)
      2. Palate (Epstein's Pearls)
  3. Timing
    1. Present at birth
    2. Resolve spontaneously after 3-4 weeks
  • Management
  1. None needed
  2. Spontaneously resolve within first few months of life
  • References
  1. Claudius and Behar in Herbert (2020) EM:Rap 20(8): 5-7
  2. Snyder (2024) Am Fam Physician 109(3): 212-6 [PubMed]