Milia:
A parent's guide for infants and babies

Milia are tiny (1–2 mm) pearly white cysts on the surface of the skin that are common in people of all ages, but are more noticeable in infants since they are present on the face. Milia form because the oil gland in the infant is still developing, and the skin does not slough off normally but will instead remain trapped in a pocket in the skin. Milia are classified into 2 types: primary milia, which occur on normal, healthy skin; and secondary milia, which are typically found on skin affected by another skin condition. Milia that are found on the roof of the mouth in infants are called Epstein pearls and are normal in newborns.