Small White Bumps on the Nose

Small, white bumps that form on your nose are most likely a condition known as milia. Also known as baby acne for its common occurrence on the faces of newborns, milia is a painless and harmless skin condition that affects many individuals through infancy and even adulthood. Milia cannot be prevented, according to "The New York Times" health page, and poses no ill side effects to sufferers 3.

Symptoms

Symptoms of milia are few as these small, white bumps pose no threat of pain or infection. According to the Medline Plus website, only physical appearance tells of milia existence on you or your newborn's nose. Bumps are described as small, pearlesque bumps that are hardened at the surface of the skin occurring on the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose respectively.

Diagnosis

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Although self-diagnosis is done easily at home, some parents and older individuals may wish to seek the advice of a licensed dermatologist. The dermatologist will perform a physical examination on your skin, however, no further testing is required to obtain a clear diagnosis of milia, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Since milia is easily recognized, blood testing or skin cell testing is not necessary.

Treatment

Treatment options vary depending on whether milia is present on an adult versus a child. Children and infants with milia do not require treatment as milia does clear up on its own, according to "The New York Times." Adults, however, may wish to have milia removed by a dermatologist for cosmetic reasons because it does not clear up on its own as easily in adults 3. No other treatment options are available for milia removal.

Causes

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Milia forms as a result of dead skin cells that become trapped under the skin's surface in what "The New York Times" describes as pockets 3. In adults, milia has the potential to form on your nose when you suffer inflammation or irritation to delicate skin. In infants, milia is thought to be caused by excess hormones from pregnancy that goes away within two to three weeks. Although hormones from the mother may be the cause for infant milia, these white nose bumps rarely point to hormonal imbalance, states the Mayo Clinic website.

Considerations

Milia on your nose poses no threat to the health of your skin or lend to any diseases. There is also no way to prevent milia from forming nor are there any side effects other than the physical attributes that it carries. Never attempt removal of milia yourself. If milia must be removed, visit a licensed dermatologist for medical assistance to prevent infection or scarring.