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Toxic erythema of the newborn, also called erythema toxicum neonatorum or erythema toxicum, is a benign, transient, and self-limited skin eruption in newborns. Approximately 48% to 72% of term infants develop this skin condition (1). The condition does not cause other signs of systemic toxicity such as fever, low temperature, irritability, or lethargy.
Read this post to know about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of toxic erythema of the newborn.
Symptoms And Signs Of Erythema Toxicum Of The Newborn
Erythema toxicum of the newborn may usually begin within the first six days of life. However, some babies may have late onset of the condition at up to two weeks of age. Erythema rash is rarely seen at birth (2). The rashes may start on the face and spread to the torso and limbs. Palms and soles are usually spared. In most cases, babies appear well other than the skin rashes.
You may notice any of the following types of skin rashes in toxic erythema of the newborn (3).
- Erythematous macules are red flat skin patches
- Papules are small bumps on the skin
- Pustules are small bumps filled with pus or fluid
An irregular reddish wheel can surround yellow pustules and papules. These skin eruptions can wax and wane over several days. It means they may increase or decrease in number, size, or severity over days.
How Long Does It Take For Erythema Toxicum To Go Away?
Most skin lesions in toxic erythema are transient or temporary. It may often disappear within a few hours and reappear on other parts of the body other than the soles and palms. Erythema toxicum may resolve within seven to fourteen days from the first day of their appearance. The skin eruptions fade away without leaving any scars.
Causes Of Toxic Erythema Of The Newborn
The exact cause of toxic erythema of the newborn is unknown. It is considered to be an allergic response since the skin lesions display significant eosinophilic infiltration. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells. It was suggested that the allergic reaction could be to the maternal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). However, recent studies have failed to prove the presence of maternal cells in skin lesions.
The absence of skin lesions on non-hair-bearing areas, such as palms and soles, suggests that erythema toxicum could be a response to microbes penetrating the hair follicles. However, more studies are needed to identify the microbes and the mechanism for the development of erythema toxicum neonatorum (1).
There is no genetic or gender prediction known for erythema toxicum. Premature infants tend to be less likely affected by the condition for unknown reasons.
Diagnosis Of Toxic Erythema Of The Newborn
Doctors can diagnose erythema toxicum based on the clinical features. Characteristics of rashes and no associated symptoms are key to diagnosis. Skin biopsy could show infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils in the upper skin. Pustules and papules may also contain these inflammatory cells and are usually located around the hair follicles.
Clinical diagnosis is sufficient in most cases, and no laboratory analysis is ordered. Doctors may often order some tests to rule out similar conditions. Differential diagnosis to toxic erythema of the newborn may include the following conditions (4).
- Pyoderma
- Congenital candidiasis
- Staphylococcal folliculitis
- Sepsis
- Acne neonatorum (baby acne)
- Neonatal varicella
- Miliaria (heat rash)
- Herpes
- Transient neonatal pustular melanosis (TNPM)
- Incontinentia pigmenti
- Infantile acropustulosis
Treatment For Erythema Toxicum
Erythema toxicum of the newborn does not require any treatment since it fades away within days or weeks without any complications. Doctors may educate the parents about the natural course of this condition and advise them not to apply any OTC creams or other remedies.
Primary care physicians may often refer to pediatric dermatologists for differential diagnosis (3). Antifungals and antibacterial creams are only effective in treating newborn rashes caused by fungal infections and bacterial infections.
Erythema toxicum of the newborn could appear a few days after you have brought the baby home. It is advised to consult the pediatrician for all skin-related conditions of the neonatal period. They can help to identify the exact cause and intervene if necessary. You may let the erythema toxicum run its natural course since it fades away without causing skin damages or scars.
