How are milia diagnosed?

Most of the time, and especially if the patient is an infant, a doctor can diagnose milia by just looking at it. If it’s unclear whether the cysts are milia or some other type of skin condition, a skin biopsy can be useful. That’s a test in which a small piece of skin is removed and examined with a microscope.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/22/2018.

References

  • American Academy of Family Physicians. Newborn Skin: Part I. Common Rashes. Accessed 10/23/2018.
  • DermNet New Zealand Trust. Milium. Accessed 10/23/2018.
  • Chapter 108. Normal Skin Changes. In: Usatine RP, Smith MA, Chumley HS, Mayeaux EJ, Jr.. eds. The Color Atlas of Family Medicine, 2e New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2013.
  • Berk DR, Bayliss SJ. Milia: a review and classification. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59(6):1050-63.

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