To study the prevalence of cutaneous manifestationsin newborns and its correlation with defined maternal and neonatal factors

Abstract

Introduction: Newborn skin may look and feel different, depending on the gestational age. Skin manifestations are common in neonates and cause parental anxiety. Many of these are transient and physiological, but some may require further workup to rule out a more serious disorder. Hence, it is of utmost importance for pediatricians and dermatologist to recognize these physiological states in neonates. Objectives: To study incidence of cutaneous manifestations in new born and its correlation with defined maternal and neonatal factors. Material & Methods: Institution based, observational, cross sectional cohort study was conducted in Post natal ward of Dr. B.R.A.M. medical college, Raipur, C.G. Total 4000 neonates were taken in to study. All the neonates irrespective of gestation, up to 3 days of life were included in study, with or without significant maternal history. Detailed dermatological examination was conducted. Obtained data was analyzed by appropriate statistical method. Observation: In all, we studied 18 skin lesions- Epstein pearl 3323 cases (83%), Mongolian spot 2828 cases (70.7%), milia 1344 cases (33.6%), sebaeceous gland hyperplasia 1237 cases (30.9%), erythema toxicum neonatorum 711 cases (17.8%), occipital alopecia 648 cases(16.2%), lanugo 575 cases (14.4%), icterus 548 cases(13.7%), physiological scaling 482 (12.1%), vernix caseosa 9.8%, acrocyanosis 8.6%, salmon patch 7.1%, miniature puberty 6.9%, caput succedaneum 1.6%. Conclusion: In India, Epstein pearl and Mongolian spot are predominant skin lesions. Distribution profile of skin lesions is affected by interracial, environment and hormonal factors.