Neonatal rashes

Erythema Toxicum

Neonatal Acne

  • Occurs around 3rd week of life
  • Commonly on face, may also see on trunk
  • No treatment necessary (resolves by 3rd month of life)

Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Starts between 2-6wk of life; improves by 6 months
  • Greasy yellow-red scales
  • Proclivity for scalp (cradlecap), but may find around ears, cheeks, neck
  • Not pruritic
  • DDX
    • Atopic dermatitis, tinea capitis, psoriasis
  • Treatment
    • Salicylic acid shampoo (Sebulex) OR
    • Application of mineral oil followed by washing and removal of scales w/ comb

Atopic Dermatitis

  • Must distinguish from seborrheic dermatitis
    • Occurs between 2-6mo (somewhat later than seborrheic dermatitis)
    • Pruritic (may manifest as fussiness) vs seborrheic (not pruritic)
  • Dry skin, erythematous papular lesions
  • Face most commonly involved; nose and diaper areas spared
  • DDX
    • Seborrheic dermatitis, scabies
  • Treatment
    • Identify and eliminate triggers
    • Reduce drying of skin
    • Liberal application of emollients (vaseline)

Diaper Dermatitis

  • Contact dermatitis VS candidal dermatitis
  • Contact dermatitis
    • Erythematous, macular or papular, w/ well demarcated borders
    • Treatment
      • Good hygiene, air drying, use of barrier creams (zinc oxide)
  • Candidal dermatitis
    • Erythematous w/ papular and pustular lesions and scaling around margins
    • Classic finding is "satellite lesions"
    • Must examine for oral thrush
      • If present: Oral nystatin 2mL QID infants, 4-6mL QID children
        • Administer for up to 2d after resolution of oral lesions
    • Treatment
      • Nystatin cream 100K U/gram TID x10-14d
      • If use zinc oxide must apply after nystatin
      • Hydrocortisone 1-2% after nystatin, before zinc oxide, may be used for severe lesions

See Also

Rashes (Peds)