At 3 days of age, this infant was noted to have an erythematous, maculopapular rash on the face, chest, abdomen, and back that included some pustule-like lesions.
At 3 days of age, this infant was noted to have an erythematous, maculopapular rash on the face, chest, abdomen, and back that included some pustule-like lesions. A diagnosis of erythema toxicum neonatorum was made. This is mainly a clinical diagnosis and, in the majority of cases, a spot diagnosis-provided that one is familiar with the condition.
There are two forms of erythema toxicum neonatorum: a simple type, characterized by erythema and papules, and a pustular type. The latter accounts for about 10% of cases. Stained smears from the lesions show a predominance of eosinophils. Erythema toxicum neonatorum is a benign condition that usually disappears by the 10th day of life.
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