International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

What type of skin lesion appears as raised white bumps commonly found in newborns?

1. Vesicles

2. Pustules

3. Milia

4. Macules

The correct answer is: Milia

Milia are small, raised white bumps that often appear on the skin of newborns, particularly on the face. These lesions are formed when keratin, a protein found in skin, becomes trapped beneath the surface. Milia are very common in newborns and typically resolve on their own without any treatment over a few weeks. In contrast, vesicles are fluid-filled blisters that can occur due to various skin conditions, while pustules contain pus and are often associated with infections or inflammatory processes. Macules are flat, discolored spots on the skin that do not have any raised characteristics. Understanding the characteristics and distinctions between these types of skin lesions can assist healthcare providers in making accurate diagnoses and appropriate care decisions for newborns and other patients.