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Erythema toxicum is a common, noncancerous skin condition seen in newborns.
Alternative NamesErythema toxicum neonatorum
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsErythema toxicum may appear in 50 percent or more of all normal newborn infants. It usually appears in term infants between the ages of 3 days and 2 weeks.
Its cause is unknown.
The condition may be present in the first few hours of life, generally appears after the first day, and may last for several days. Although the condition is harmless, it can be of great concern to the new parent.
SymptomsThe main symptom is a rash of small, yellow-to-white colored papules surrounded by red skin. There may be a few or several papules. They usually appear on the face and middle of the body, but may also be seen on the upper arms and thighs.
The rash can change rapidly, appearing and disappearing in different areas over hours to days.
Signs and testsExamination by your health care provider during a routine well-baby exam is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis. No testing is usually needed.
TreatmentThe large red splotches typically disappear without any treatment or changes in Skin Care.
Expectations (prognosis)The rash usually clears within 2 weeks. It is usually completely gone by age 4 months.
See also: Milia
ComplicationsThere are no complications.
Calling your health care providerDiscuss the condition with your health care provider during a routine examination if you are concerned.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoErythema toxicum is a common, noncancerous skin condition seen in newborns.
Alternative NamesErythema toxicum neonatorum
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsErythema toxicum may appear in 50 percent or more of all normal newborn infants. It usually appears in term infants between the ages of 3 days and 2 weeks.
Its cause is unknown.
The condition may be present in the first few hours of life, generally appears after the first day, and may last for several days. Although the condition is harmless, it can be of great concern to the new parent.
SymptomsThe main symptom is a rash of small, yellow-to-white colored papules surrounded by red skin. There may be a few or several papules. They usually appear on the face and middle of the body, but may also be seen on the upper arms and thighs.
The rash can change rapidly, appearing and disappearing in different areas over hours to days.
Signs and testsExamination by your health care provider during a routine well-baby exam is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis. No testing is usually needed.
TreatmentThe large red splotches typically disappear without any treatment or changes in skin care.
Expectations (prognosis)The rash usually clears within 2 weeks. It is usually completely gone by age 4 months.
See also: Milia
ComplicationsThere are no complications.
Calling your health care providerDiscuss the condition with your health care provider during a routine examination if you are concerned.
ReferencesMorelli JG. Diseases of the Neonate. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 639.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/02/2011
Rachel A Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What rash looks like whiteheads?
Erythema Toxicum
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What is the origin of the word intoxication?
The origin of the word intoxication comes from the 15th century. It originates from Late middle English (in the sense 'poison'): from the medieval Latin word intoxicare, from in- meaning 'into' + toxicare, which means 'to poison,' from the Latin word toxicum.
Does the word neurotoxin have any Greek or Latin roots?
The word "neurotoxin" comes from the Latin words neuron(nerve) and toxicum (poison). The Latin words come from the Greek words neuro (cord) and toxikon pharmakon (arrow poison).
What is highly toxic?
highly toxic is something where it can get to the point where it can exlpode or do other damage to pther things in lifelike for instannce your walking by and you see a sign saying highly toxic DO NOT TOUCH and u touch it obviaslly its gonna explode right!!!
Skin characteristics in newborns?
DefinitionThe appearance and texture of a newborn infant's skin goes through many changes.See also: Changes in newborn at birthAlternative NamesNewborn skin characteristics; Infant skin characteristicsInformationA healthy newborn at birth typically has:Deep red or purple skin and bluish hands and feet. The skin darkens before the infant takes his or her first breath (when they make that first vigorous cry).A thick, waxy substance called vernix covering the skin. This substance protects the fetus's skin from the amniotic fluid in the womb. Vernix should wash off during the baby's first bath.Fine, soft hair (lanugo) that may cover the scalp, forehead, cheeks, shoulders, and back. This is more common when an infant is born before the due date. The hair should disappear within the first few weeks of the baby's life.Newborn skin will vary, depending on the length of the pregnancy. Premature infants have thin, transparent skin. The skin of a full-term infant is thicker.By the baby's 2nd or 3rd day, the skin lightens somewhat and may become dry and flaky. The skin still tends to turn red when the infant cries. The lips, hands, and feet may turn bluish or spotted (mottled) when the baby is cold.Other changes may include:Milia are tiny, pearly-white, firm raised bumps on the face. They disappear on their own.Mild acne that usually clears in a few weeks. This is caused by some of the mother's hormones that remain in the baby's blood.Erythema toxicum is a common, harmless rash that looks like little pustules on a red base. It tends to appear on the face, trunk, legs, and arms about 1 - 3 days after delivery and disappears by 1 week.Colored birthmarks or skin markings may include:Congenital neviare moles (darkly pigmented skin markings) that may be present at birth. They range in size from as small as a pea to large enough to cover an entire arm or leg, or a large portion of the back or trunk. Larger nevi carry a greater risk of becoming skin cancer. The health care provider should follow all nevi.Mongolian spots are blue-gray or brown spots. They can emerge on the skin of the buttocks or back, mainly in dark-skinned babies. They should fade within a year.Cafe-au-lait spots are light tan, the color of coffee with milk. They often appear at birth, or may develop within the first few years. Children who have many of these spots, or large spots, may be more likely to have a condition called neurofibromatosis.Red birthmarks may include:Port-wine stains are growths that contain blood vessels (vascular growths). They are red to purplish in color. They are frequently seen on the face, but may occur on any area of the body.Hemangiomas are a collection of capillaries (small blood vessels) that may appear at birth or a few months later.Stork bites are small red patches on the baby's forehead, eyelids, back of the neck, or upper lip. They are caused by stretching of the blood vessels. They usually go away within 18 months.ReferencesOlsson J. The newborn. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 7.Haslam RHA. Neurocutaneous syndromes. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 596.
Rash - child under 2 years?
DefinitionA rash is a change in the color or texture of the skin. A skin rash can be flat, bumpy, scaly, red, skin-colored, or slightly lighter or darker than skin color.Alternative NamesBaby rash; Miliaria; Prickly heatConsiderationsMost bumps and blotches on a newborn baby are harmless and clear up by themselves.By far the most common skin problem in infants is diaper rash. Diaper rash is an irritation of the skin caused by dampness, urine, or feces. Most babies who wear diapers will have some type of diaper rash.However, there are other skin disorders that can cause rashes. These are usually not serious unless accompanied by other symptoms.Common CausesDiaper rash (rash in the diaper area) is a skin irritation caused by prolonged dampness and the interaction of urine and feces with the skin.Yeast diaper rash is caused by a type of yeast called candida, which also causes thrush in the mouth. The rash looks different from a regular diaper rash. It is very red, and there are usually small red bumps on the outer edges of the rash. This rash requires treatment with medication.Heat rash or prickly heat is caused by the blockage of the pores that lead to the sweat glands. It is most common in very young children but can occur at any age, particularly in hot and humid weather. An infant does not sweat. The sweat is held within the skin and forms little red bumps or occasionally small blisters.Erythema toxicum can cause flat red splotches (usually with a white, pimple-like bump in the middle) that appear in up to half of all babies. This rash rarely appears after 5 days of age, is usually gone in 7 - 14 days, and is nothing to worry about.Baby acne is caused by exposure to the mother's hormones. Red bumps, sometimes with white dots in the center, may be seen on a newborn's face. Acne usually occurs between 2 and 4 weeks of age, but may appear up to 4 months after birth and can last for 12 - 18 months.Cradle cap(seborrheic dermatitis) causes greasy, scaling, crusty patches on the scalp that appear in a baby's first 3 months. It usually goes away by itself, but some cases may require treatment with medication.Hives are red welts that appear to move around on the body. For example, if you drew a circle to mark one of the welts, a few hours later that circle would not have a welt in it, but there would be welts on other parts of the body. They differ in size and shape. Hives may last for a few weeks. The cause is uncertain.Eczema is a condition of the skin in which areas are dry, scaly, red (or darker than normal skin color), and itchy. When it goes on for a long time the areas become thickened. It is often associated with asthma and allergies, although it can often occur without either of these. Eczema often runs in families.Home CareDIAPER RASHESKeep the skin dry. Change wet diapers as quickly as possible. Allow the baby's skin to air dry as long as is practical. Launder cloth diapers in mild soap and rinse well. Avoid using plastic pants. Avoid irritating wipes (especially those containing alcohol) when cleaning the infant.Ointments or creams may help reduce friction and protect the baby's skin from irritation. Powders such as cornstarch or talc should be used cautiously, as they can be inhaled by the infant and may cause lung injury.If your baby has a yeast diaper rash, the doctor will prescribe a cream to treat it.OTHER RASHESHeat rash or prickly heat is best treated by providing a cooler and less humid environment for the child.Powders are unlikely to help treat heat rash and should be stored out of reach of the infant to prevent accidental inhalation. Avoid ointments and creams because they tend to keep the skin warmer and block the pores.Erythema toxicum is normal in newborn babies and will go away on its own in a few days. You do not need to do anything for it.White or clear milia/miliaria will go away on their own. You do not need to do anything for it.For hives, talk with your doctor to try to find the cause. Some specific causes require prescription medication. Antihistamine medications may help stop the itching.BABY ACNENormal washing is usually all that is necessary to treat baby acne. Use plain water or mild baby soap and only bathe your baby every 2-3 days. Avoid acne medicines used by adolescents and adults.CRADLE CAPFor cradle cap, wash the hair or scalp with water or a mild baby shampoo. Use a brush to remove the flakes of dry skin. If this cannot be removed easily, apply an oil to the scalp to soften it. Cradle cap usually disappears by 18 months. If it does not disappear, it becomes infected, or if it is resistant to treatments, consult your doctor.ECZEMAFor skin problems caused by eczema, the keys to reducing rash are to reduce scratching and keep the skin moisturized.Keep the baby's fingernails short and consider putting soft gloves on the child at night to minimize scratching.Drying soaps and anything that has caused irritation in the past (including foods) should be avoided.Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after baths to avoid drying.Hot or long baths, or bubble baths, may be more drying and should be avoided.Loose, cotton clothing will help absorb perspiration.Consult a doctor if these measures do not control the eczema, (your child may need prescription medicines) or if the skin begins to appear infected.While the majority of children with eczema will outgrow it, many will have sensitive skin as adults.Call your health care provider ifCall your child's health care provider if your child has:A fever or other unexplained symptoms associated with the rashAny areas that look wet, oozing, or red, which are signs of infectionA rash that extends beyond the diaper areaA rash that is worse in the skin creasesA rash, spots, blister, or discoloration and is younger than 3 monthsBlistersNo improvement after 3 days of home treatmentSignificant scratchingWhat to expect at your health care provider's officeThe health care provider will perform a physical examination. The baby's skin will be thoroughly examined to determine the extent and type of the rash. Bring a list of all the products used on the child's skin.You may be asked questions such as:When did the rash start? Did it begin suddenly (within hours) or slowly and gradually?Did symptoms begin at birth or in infancy? What age?Did symptoms begin after a fever occurred and was relieved?Did the rash occur after skin injury, bathing, or exposure to sunlight or cold?What does the rash look like? Are there pinpoint red spots?Does it look like small red areas or blisters?Does it look like bruises?Does it look like hives (red welts that come and go on different parts of the body and are very itchy)?Does the skin look dry and tough?Is the rash scaling or crusting?Where on the body does the rash occur? Is the rash spreading to other areas?What other symptoms are also present?What type of soaps and detergents do you use?Do you put anything on the skin (creams, lotions, oils, perfumes)?Is your child taking any medications? How long has the child taken them?Has your child recently eaten any new foods?Has your child been in contact with grasses/weeds/trees recently?Has your child recently been sick?Does your child or anyone in your family have allergies?Do any skin problems run in your family?Tests are seldom required but may include the following:Allergy skin testsBlood studies (such as CBC, blood differential)Microscopic examination of a sample of the affected skinDepending on the cause of the rash, antihistamines may be recommended to decrease itching. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection.The doctor may prescribe a cream for diaper rash caused by yeast. If the rash is severe and not caused by yeast, a corticosteroid cream may be recommended.For eczema, the doctor may prescribe ointments or cortisone drugs to decrease inflammation.
