Skin conditions: common skin rashes in infants. 2013

Ramiro Zuniga, and Tam Nguyen
San Joaquin General Hospital, French Camp, CA 95231, USA. rzuniga@sjgh.org

Infants exhibit many skin rashes. Erythema toxicum neonatorum presents as erythematous macules, papules, and pustules on the face, trunk, and extremities; it typically resolves spontaneously within 1 week. Neonatal acne presents as comedones or erythematous papules on the face, scalp, chest, and back. Infantile acne is similar but starts after the neonatal period. Both conditions typically resolve spontaneously; failure to resolve within 1 year warrants evaluation for androgen excess. Neonatal cephalic pustulosis is an acne variant caused by hypersensitivity to Malassezia furfur. It is typically self-limited, but severe cases are managed with topical ketoconazole. Miliaria and milia are caused by sweat retention and present as tiny vesicles or papules; they resolve spontaneously. Contact diaper dermatitis is managed by keeping the diaper area clean and with open air exposure. Diaper dermatitis due to Candida albicans is managed with topical antifungals. Seborrheic dermatitis causes scaling on the scalp. Management involves shampooing and removing scales with a soft brush after applying mineral oil or petrolatum; severe cases are managed with tar or ketoconazole shampoo. Atopic dermatitis is related to food allergy in approximately one-third of children. Food allergy can be confirmed with oral food challenges or skin prick tests. Management includes elimination of irritants and triggers and use of low-potency topical steroids.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007223 Infant A child between 1 and 23 months of age. Infants
D007231 Infant, Newborn An infant during the first 28 days after birth. Neonate,Newborns,Infants, Newborn,Neonates,Newborn,Newborn Infant,Newborn Infants
D008883 Miliaria A syndrome of cutaneous changes associated with sweat retention and extravasation of sweat at different levels in the skin. Miliaria rubra, or prickly heat, results from apocrine duct obstruction. The sweat then seeps into the epidermis, producing pruritic erythematous papulovesicles. (From Dorland, 27th ed) Miliaria Rubra,Prickly Heat,Heat, Prickly
D003872 Dermatitis Any inflammation of the skin. Dermatitides
D003937 Diagnosis, Differential Determination of which one of two or more diseases or conditions a patient is suffering from by systematically comparing and contrasting results of diagnostic measures. Diagnoses, Differential,Differential Diagnoses,Differential Diagnosis
D004485 Eczema A dermatitis characterized by a spongiotic tissue reaction pattern occurring as a reaction to many endogenous and exogenous agents. Dermatitis, Eczematous,Eczematous Dermatitis
D004890 Erythema Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of disease processes. Erythemas
D005512 Food Hypersensitivity Gastrointestinal disturbances, skin eruptions, or shock due to allergic reactions to allergens in food. Allergy, Food,Food Allergy,Hypersensitivity, Food,Allergies, Food,Food Allergies,Food Hypersensitivities,Hypersensitivities, Food
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000152 Acne Vulgaris A chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous apparatus associated with an increase in sebum secretion. It is characterized by open comedones (blackheads), closed comedones (whiteheads), and pustular nodules. The cause is unknown, but heredity and age are predisposing factors. Acne

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