Skin & Rashes

Persistent Milia on Baby

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAD, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

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Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing persistent milia on baby, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Milia are tiny white or yellow bumps caused by trapped keratin under the skin surface. They are very common in newborns and usually resolve on their own within weeks to a few months. Persistent milia beyond 3 months is less common but still generally harmless. Do not try to squeeze or pop milia, as this can cause irritation or infection.

Key takeaways

  • Milia are tiny white or yellow bumps caused by trapped keratin under the skin surface. They are very common in newborns and usually resolve on their own within weeks to a few months. Persistent milia beyond 3 months is less common but still generally harmless. Do not try to squeeze or pop milia, as this can cause irritation or infection.
  • Usually normal when: Small white or yellow bumps on a newborn's nose and face in the first few months
  • Call your doctor if: Bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
— Eczema in Babies and Children, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, AAD, NIH guidelines, milia are tiny white or yellow bumps caused by trapped keratin under the skin surface. They are very common in newborns and usually resolve on their own within weeks to a few months. Persistent milia beyond 3 months is less common but still generally harmless. Do not try to squeeze or pop milia, as this can cause irritation or infection. At 0-3 months, up to 40% of newborns develop milia, typically on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. Milia on the palate (Epstein pearls) and gums (Bohn nodules) are also normal. These resolve spontaneously without treatment. Gentle cleansing with water is all that is needed for facial milia. It is generally considered normal when small white or yellow bumps on a newborn's nose and face in the first few months. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Small white or yellow bumps on a newborn's nose and face in the first few months
Bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected
Milia that are stable, not red or inflamed, and slowly resolving on their own
A newborn develops widespread pustular bumps that could indicate a neonatal infection rather than milia
Epstein pearls on the palate that disappear within a few weeks
Milia persist beyond 3 to 4 months and you want reassurance

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Up to 40% of newborns develop milia, typically on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. Milia on the palate (Epstein pearls) and gums (Bohn nodules) are also normal. These resolve spontaneously without treatment. Gentle cleansing with water is all that is needed for facial milia.

3-6 months

Most milia resolve by this age. If they persist, they are still harmless and will clear on their own. Do not use exfoliating products, acne treatments, or abrasive scrubs on baby skin, as these can cause more harm. If milia are numerous or seem to be increasing, mention them at your next well visit.

6-12 months

Persistent milia beyond 6 months is uncommon. If present, they should be evaluated to ensure they are truly milia and not another type of skin bump like molluscum contagiosum or other conditions. Your pediatrician can assess them.

12-24 months

Milia in toddlers can develop at sites of skin injury or inflammation. If new milia-like bumps appear in a toddler, they may be molluscum contagiosum (slightly larger, pearly bumps with a dimpled center) or milia en plaque, which is rare and should be evaluated.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed persistent milia on baby and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if milia persist beyond 3 to 4 months and you want reassurance.
  • Mention if bumps are growing in size, changing character, or becoming numerous.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Small white or yellow bumps on a newborn's nose and face in the first few months
  • Milia that are stable, not red or inflamed, and slowly resolving on their own
  • Epstein pearls on the palate that disappear within a few weeks
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Milia persist beyond 3 to 4 months and you want reassurance
  • Bumps are growing in size, changing character, or becoming numerous
  • You are unsure whether the bumps are milia or something else
Act now when...
  • Bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected
  • A newborn develops widespread pustular bumps that could indicate a neonatal infection rather than milia

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice persistent milia on baby — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that small white or yellow bumps on a newborn's nose and face in the first few months — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected.

Baby Acne (Neonatal Acne)

Baby acne is a very common, harmless condition that appears as small red or white bumps on your newborn's face, usually around 2-4 weeks of age. It is caused by maternal hormones still circulating in your baby's system and clears up on its own within a few weeks to months without any treatment.

Molluscum Contagiosum in Babies & Toddlers

Molluscum contagiosum causes small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a tiny dimple in the center. It is caused by a common, harmless virus and is very common in young children. While it looks unusual, it is not dangerous and the bumps eventually go away on their own, though it can take several months to over a year.

Raised Bumps on Baby's Skin

Raised bumps on a baby's skin have many possible causes, most of which are harmless. Common causes include keratosis pilaris (tiny rough bumps on upper arms and thighs), molluscum contagiosum (small, dome-shaped, pearl-like bumps from a viral infection), insect bites, viral rashes, and milia (tiny white bumps in newborns). The bumps' appearance - their color, size, texture, location, and whether they are itchy - helps determine the cause. Most resolve on their own or with simple treatment.

Guide

Baby Skin Conditions Guide

Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is persistent milia on baby normal?
Milia are tiny white or yellow bumps caused by trapped keratin under the skin surface. They are very common in newborns and usually resolve on their own within weeks to a few months. Persistent milia beyond 3 months is less common but still generally harmless. Do not try to squeeze or pop milia, as this can cause irritation or infection.
When should I call the doctor about persistent milia on baby?
Bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected A newborn develops widespread pustular bumps that could indicate a neonatal infection rather than milia
When is persistent milia on baby normal?
Small white or yellow bumps on a newborn's nose and face in the first few months Milia that are stable, not red or inflamed, and slowly resolving on their own Epstein pearls on the palate that disappear within a few weeks
What causes persistent milia on baby?
Milia are tiny white or yellow bumps caused by trapped keratin under the skin surface. They are very common in newborns and usually resolve on their own within weeks to a few months. Persistent milia beyond 3 months is less common but still generally harmless. Do not try to squeeze or pop milia, as this can cause irritation or infection. Common explanations include: Small white or yellow bumps on a newborn's nose and face in the first few months. Milia that are stable, not red or inflamed, and slowly resolving on their own.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about persistent milia on baby?
You should mention persistent milia on baby at your next visit if: Milia persist beyond 3 to 4 months and you want reassurance. Bumps are growing in size, changing character, or becoming numerous. You are unsure whether the bumps are milia or something else.
Is persistent milia on baby normal at 0-3 months?
Up to 40% of newborns develop milia, typically on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. Milia on the palate (Epstein pearls) and gums (Bohn nodules) are also normal. These resolve spontaneously without treatment. Gentle cleansing with water is all that is needed for facial milia.
Is persistent milia on baby normal at 3-6 months?
Most milia resolve by this age. If they persist, they are still harmless and will clear on their own. Do not use exfoliating products, acne treatments, or abrasive scrubs on baby skin, as these can cause more harm. If milia are numerous or seem to be increasing, mention them at your next well visit.
Should I go to the ER for persistent milia on baby?
Seek emergency care if bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected, or if a newborn develops widespread pustular bumps that could indicate a neonatal infection rather than milia. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does persistent milia on baby go away on its own?
In many cases, persistent milia on baby resolves on its own, especially when small white or yellow bumps on a newborn's nose and face in the first few months. By 12-24 months, milia in toddlers can develop at sites of skin injury or inflammation. If new milia-like bumps appear in a toddler, they may be molluscum contagiosum (slightly larger, pearly bumps with a dimpled center) or milia en plaque, which is rare and should be evaluated.
AAPAADNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Newborn Skin Conditions. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]American Academy of Dermatology. Milia. AAD
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Milia. StatPearls. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Persistent Milia on Baby.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed persistent milia on baby and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if milia persist beyond 3 to 4 months and you want reassurance.
  • Mention if bumps are growing in size, changing character, or becoming numerous.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Milia persist beyond 3 to 4 months and you want reassurance
  • Bumps are growing in size, changing character, or becoming numerous
  • You are unsure whether the bumps are milia or something else

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected
  • A newborn develops widespread pustular bumps that could indicate a neonatal infection rather than milia

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Baby Skin Conditions GuideBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of persistent milia on baby are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if bumps become red, swollen, or seem infected.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Baby acne is a very common, harmless condition that appears as small red or white bumps on your newborn's face, usually around 2-4 weeks of age. It is caused by maternal hormones still circulating in your baby's system and clears up on its own within a few weeks to months without any treatment.

Molluscum Contagiosum in Babies & Toddlers

Molluscum contagiosum causes small, firm, dome-shaped bumps with a tiny dimple in the center. It is caused by a common, harmless virus and is very common in young children. While it looks unusual, it is not dangerous and the bumps eventually go away on their own, though it can take several months to over a year.

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Raised bumps on a baby's skin have many possible causes, most of which are harmless. Common causes include keratosis pilaris (tiny rough bumps on upper arms and thighs), molluscum contagiosum (small, dome-shaped, pearl-like bumps from a viral infection), insect bites, viral rashes, and milia (tiny white bumps in newborns). The bumps' appearance - their color, size, texture, location, and whether they are itchy - helps determine the cause. Most resolve on their own or with simple treatment.

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