Cutaneous findings in neonates and their socio-demographic profile: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: A wide range of disorders can manifest as skin lesions due to the great difficulty the skin encounters while transitioning from an aqueous to a dry environment in a neonate. Among the skin conditions commonly seen in neonates are temporary benign lesions, atopic dermatitis (and associated disorders), bullous dermatoses. Aim was to study the various patterns of skin lesions in neonates and to estimate the prevalence of physiological and pathological skin lesions. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of pediatrics at Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (ASCOMS) a tertiary care hospital in Jammu. A total of 300 neonates (day 1 to day 28 of life) and having any skin lesions or manifestations born at the hospital or visiting out patient’s department were included in the study. The data collected was compiled on excel sheet and was analyzed statistically by using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Results: It was found that the most of the skin manifestations were observed in neonates born to multiparous mothers at term gestation and having average weight. The male to female ratio was 1.3:1. The frequency of the cutaneous manifestations were seen more in neonates born via the caesarean section. Conclusions: It is concluded that the most common skin lesion was erythema toxicum followed by icterus neonatorum.