Neonatal dermatology

Question 1

Describe erythema toxicum neonatorum

Answer 1

Common
affecting as many as half of all full term infnats
Most prominent on day 2
Often begins on the face and spreads to affect the trunk and limbs

Combination of erythematous macules papules and pustules.
Eruption typically last for several days however it is unusual for an individual lesion to persist for longer than a day

Nil treatment required

Question 2

Describe milia

Answer 2

Milia are harmless pearly white bumps just under the surface of the skin often seen on the noes but may also arise inside the mouth on the mucosa or palate

Nil treatment present for months

Question 3

Describe pityroscoprum folliculitis

Answer 3

Neonatal acnes/milk spots

It is a papulopustular follicular eruption on the face and torso appearing at 2-3 weeks of age which is thought to be caused by an infalmmatory reaction to yeast known as Malasseiza

Treatment will clear spontaneously, ketoconazole cream with or wihtout hydrocort can speed clearnace