Excerpt from Milia

Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: blistering disorders, milia en plaque, multiple eruptive milia, newborn skin lesions, infant skin lesions, infant plaques, epidermoid cysts, keratin-filled cysts, primary milia, secondary milia, dermabrasion, Epstein pearls, bullous pemphigoid, inherited epidermolysis bullosa, acquired epidermolysis bullosa, bullous lichen planus, porphyria cutanea tarda, burns, radiotherapy, blistering contact dermatitis, photocontact allergy to sunscreen, mycosis fungoides, genodermatosis

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Background

Milia are very common, benign, keratin-filled cysts. Primary milia are typically seen in infants but also may occur in children and adults. Secondary milia are observed in a number of blistering disorders and following dermabrasion. Milia en plaque and multiple eruptive milia are distinct entities.

The eMedicine Pediatrics article Milia may be of interest, as may the Medscape Dermatologic Surgery Resource Center.

Pathophysiology

Milia are tiny epidermoid cysts. The cysts may be derived from the pilosebaceous follicle. Primary milia arise on facial skin bearing vellus hair follicles. Secondary milia result from damage to the pilosebaceous unit.

Frequency

United States

Primary milia in newborns are so common that they can be considered normal (occurring in approximately half of all infants). Multiple eruptive milia and milia en plaque are rare entities.

Race

No racial predilection is recognized.

Sex

Sexual prevalence is equal for primary and secondary milia. Eruptive milia and milia en plaque occur more frequently in women.

Age

Milia occur in persons of all ages but are typically found in infants.

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