Teach you how to judge neonatal erythema

Many parents find that newborns have erythema on their bodies. This erythema is generally normal. The cause is not yet clear, but accurate diagnosis methods can be found in the hospital to determine whether it is within the normal range. In fact, this is a temporary skin disease that usually appears a few days after the baby is born. It will not endanger the baby's health, so parents do not need to worry too much.

1. What is neonatal erythema?

Erythema neonatorum, scientifically known as toxic erythema neonatorum, also known as neonatal urticaria, neonatal allergic erythema, and neonatal erythema, is a common disease in newborns. It is a transient skin disease of unknown cause that occurs within 2 weeks after birth and is characterized by erythema, papules, and pustules.

2. The cause of neonatal erythema: still unclear

Its etiology and pathogenesis remain difficult to determine. It may be a nonspecific reaction caused by external stimuli after birth, or an allergic reaction to certain antigenic substances from the mother's body, or a toxic reaction to substances absorbed by the intestine. It is also believed to be a viral infection.

3. Characteristics of neonatal erythema:

1. Most cases develop within 4 days after birth, a few develop at birth, and the latest is about 2 weeks.

2. Skin lesions include erythema, papules, wheals and pustules. Some patients may first have diffuse erythema, followed by 1-3 mm yellowish or white papules and pustules with a solid base red halo, which are scattered and occasionally fused.

3. It can occur anywhere except the palms and soles, but it is more common in pressure areas such as the buttocks, back, and shoulders, and the number can be more or less. The skin lesions may disappear after a few hours and reappear soon after. There are no other systemic symptoms and the disease heals on its own after 7 to 10 days.

4. Diagnostic methods for neonatal erythema:

Generally, the diagnosis can be made based on clinical manifestations and the course of skin lesions without the need for special examinations. In some cases, there is an increase in eosinophils in the blood, and no bacterial growth is observed in pustule culture, indicating that the pustule is filled with a large number of eosinophils.

5. Does neonatal erythema require treatment and isolation?

Mild to moderate neonatal erythema does not require special treatment, just pay attention to skin cleanliness;

For severe neonatal erythema, topical medications such as calamine and Erfukang can be used. If there is a tendency to infection, mupirocin can be used.

The disease is self-limited and has no serious complications, so no isolation is required.

It can heal itself after 7 to 10 days and recurrence is rare.

6. Other common skin erythema problems in newborns

1. Neonatal seborrheic dermatitis

It is also a common rash in newborns. The characteristic rash is erythema and greasy scales. People often call this rash "cradle cap". The rash is common on the scalp, and can also be seen on the face, ears, and neck.

2. Milia in newborns

It is formed by undeveloped sebaceous glands and is prone to occur on the face, mainly around the eyes, but can also be seen on the trunk, limbs, and genitals. It is scattered and appears as white or yellow solid papules with a smooth surface. It disappears after 3 to 4 weeks. Histopathology shows epidermoid cysts.

3. Neonatal acne

Closed or open comedones are seen on the forehead, nose, and cheeks; inflammatory papules and pustules may also be seen. This is actually newborn acne, which is caused by the baby bringing more male hormones from the mother.

4. Staphylococcal or streptococcal pyoderma

Bacterial culture of the blister fluid was positive.

5. Prickly heat

It is mainly seen in hot and humid environments in summer, often occurring in wrinkled areas, and will naturally disappear when the climate cools.