Dermatoses of the Neonate

Abstract

Rashes in the first 4 weeks of life are common and can be alarming for both parents and medical staff. Many of these are entirely innocent and resolve spontaneously and reassurance of the parents is all that is required. It is important to be aware of such ‘benign’ rashes (as well as the appearance of preterm and post‐term skin) when assessing genuine pathology in the neonate. Pathological dermatoses may arise by a number of different mechanisms. Iatrogenic causes (medical procedures) can cause rashes/lesions both in utero and in the neonatal period. Transplacental transfer of antibodies, infection or malignant cells from mother to child is another mechanism for causing neonatal rashes. Infection can also be passed on from attendant medical staff. Finally, primary dermatoses may present early in the neonatal period, especially genodermatoses such as collodion baby and epidermolysis bullosa.