A superficial inclusion cyst in the skin or mucous membrane . Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Milia occurs when dead, normally sloughed skin is trapped in small, very superficial, cystic structures in the skin or mucous membrane . Irritation of the skin by rough sheets or clothing may cause mild reddening around the papule , but the central portion remains white. As the surface of the white pearly papule wears away the trapped dead skin is lost and the papule disappears.
Milia generally disappears after the first several weeks of life.
This same type of cystic structure is seen on the gums and soft palate of newborn infants. In the mucous membranes, they are called Epstein's pearls. These lesions also disappear spontaneously. Signs And Tests Examination of the skin is sufficient to diagnose milia. No testing is necessary.