Spectrum of cutaneous manifestations in neonates at a tertiary care center

Abstract

Background: The neonatal period encompasses the initial four weeks of extra-uterine life. Skin lesions in neonates range from transient physiological, self-limiting conditions to pathological dermatoses. An awareness of the physiological skin changes in neonates is needed to differentiate them from pathological dermatoses, thereby avoiding unnecessary treatment and mental stress to the parents. Aim: The aim was to study the clinical pattern of neonatal dermatoses and their prevalence at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: An institutional, prospective, observational study was conducted at the outpatient department of dermatology, venereology, and leprosy. A total of 195 neonates from the postnatal ward, pediatric ward, and dermatology department of the same institution with at least one cutaneous manifestation over the period of six months were included in the study. Results: Among the 195 neonates, cutaneous manifestations were noted in 176 neonates (90.8%), among which 82 (46%) were males and 94 (54%) were females; 163(92%) were full-term and 14 (8%) were preterm; 89 (51%) were born through vaginal delivery and 87 (49%) by caesarean section. Skin manifestations may be broadly divided into physiological skin lesions accounting for 80% of cases, transient non-infective conditions (10%), eczematous eruptions (2%), birthmarks (3%), and others (5%). The most common among all was the Mongolian spot accounting for 98 (56%) cases. Conclusion: A majority of the neonatal dermatoses were transient physiological, requiring only reassurance and no medical treatment; however proper understanding and identifying the pathological conditions are critical for early diagnosis and intervention. Key words: Neonatal dermatoses; Mongolian spot; Physiological; Sebaceous gland hyperplasia