Tiny white spots very often appear on a newborn's face and gums during the first week. The spots are called milia (say "MIL-ee-uh"). Sometimes they also appear on the roof of the mouth (palate), where they are called Epstein pearls. Milia go away by themselves in a few weeks and aren't harmful.

In the first few months of a baby's life, any rash associated with other symptoms (such as fever, poor feeding, lethargy, cough) needs to be evaluated by a pediatrician as soon as possible. Read more about your newborn's skin and rashes.