Oral mucosal and skin lesions observed in the first 48 hr in newborns

Abstract

In the neonatal period, which defines the first 4-week period of life, the skin has some distinctive characteristics compared with the adult skin. 1,2 The thickness of neonatal skin is between 40% and 60% of adult skin. In addition, weak adhesion between cells and less sweat production are among the other characteristics of neonatal skin. 3 It is known that pathological and physiological manifestations are often confused during this period. 1,2 Skin changes in newborns were first described by Ballantyne in 1895. 4 The vast majority of neonatal skin lesions are considered physiological and transient, which do not require treatment. However, some skin manifestations have a diagnostic value as in Epidermolysis bullosa and Incontinentia pigmenti.Accurate identification of these lesions helps reduce diagnostic difficulties and redundant treatments for all physicians evaluating newborns, and also abates unnecessary anxiety in families. 1,3,5,6 Studies report that 57-99.3% of newborns have at least one skin manifestation, while 84% have multiple skin manifestations. The incidence of these manifestations varies geographically and ethnically, and the presence of some skin lesions varies depending on the type of skin. 3,5 Lanugo, sebaceous hyperplasia, and physiological desquamation are among the temporary lesions specific to this period. 3