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Am Fam Physician. 2024;109(3):212-216

This is part I of a two-part article on newborn skin. “Newborn Skin: Part II. Birthmarks,” appears in this issue of AFP.

This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for CME.

Author disclosure: No relevant financial relationships.

Rashes in the newborn period are common and most are benign. Infections should be suspected in newborns with pustules or vesicles, especially in those who are not well-appearing or have risk factors for congenital infection. Congenital cytomegalovirus infection can cause sensorineural hearing loss and neurodevelopmental delay. Skin manifestations of cytomegalovirus may include petechiae due to thrombocytopenia. The most common skin manifestations of early congenital syphilis are small, copper-red, maculopapular lesions located primarily on the hands and feet that peel and crust over three weeks. Erythema toxicum neonatorum and neonatal pustular melanosis are transient pustular rashes with characteristic appearance and distribution. Neonatal acne is self-limited, whereas infantile acne may benefit from treatment. Milia can be differentiated from neonatal acne by their presence at birth. Cutis marmorata and harlequin color change are transient vascular phenomena resulting from inappropriate or exaggerated dilation of capillaries and venules in response to stimuli.

Skin findings in newborns can present a diagnostic challenge in distinguishing common, benign rashes from those associated with infection, malignancy, or systemic syndromes. When clinicians evaluate the newborn rash, the most important skill is to recognize when further evaluation is necessary because early diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Part I of this article reviews the presentation, prognosis, and treatment of the most common rashes and skin changes that present during the first four weeks of life. Part II of this article, which appears in this issue of American Family Physician, discusses the identification and management of birthmarks that appear in newborns.1

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