Study of Cutaneous Manifestations in Neonates: A Clinical Approach

Introduction: The neonatal period constitute the initial 4 weeks of extra-uterine life. A variety of clinical manifestations occur in neonates, ranging from physiological to grossly pathological, making it necessary to differentiate between benign and clinically significant skin lesions among newborns. It is critical to recognize transient skin lesions in newborns and differentiate them from other serious conditions in order to avoid unnecessary therapy for the neonates while also assuring parents of a good prognosis for these skin manifestations.

Aims and Objectives: To study the various patterns of cutaneous manifestations occurring among the newborn and to estimate the prevalence of physiological and pathological skin lesions among the new born.

Materials and Methods: An Institutional based, prospective study was conducted in the department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Eluru, West Godavari district, A.P. 100 neonates from postnatal ward, pediatric and dermatology departments of the same institution and having at-least one cutaneous manifestation were included in this study. The study was conducted between the period of November 2011 to May 2013.

Results: There were 54 males and 46 females among the 100 infants. There were 89 full-term births, nine preterm births, and two post-term births among them. Physiological skin lesions were the most prevalent among all cutaneous lesions in newborns, accounting for 57.0 percent, followed by eczematous eruptions (18.2%), temporary non-infectious diseases (10.2%), birthmarks (9.1%), and others (5.5%) in decreasing order of incidence.

Conclusion: This study of newborn skin reveals natural variations that occur during the neonatal period. It is critical to understand that the majority of skin lesions in newborns are transient and do not require treatment.