Transient Cutaneous Lesions within First 72 Hours after Birth: A Clinical Study

Introduction Transient Cutaneous lesions in neonates not only cause concern for family but also for Doctors. They vary from region to region. They frequently start within first 72 hrs after birth. Aims The study was designed to identify dermatoses within first 72 hours after birth and to report their incidence in local region. Materials and Methods A hospital based cross sectional observational study of 100 neonates in Chigateri General Hospital and Bapuji Hospital attached to J. J. M. Medical College between March 2016 and July 2016. Results Transient Cutaneous lesions observed in the order of frequency were Mongolian spot (82 %), Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia (45 %), Epstein pearls (35 %), Milia (30 %), Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum (19 %), Physiological Scaling (12 %), Miliaria (5 %), Genital hyperpigmentation (5 %), Acne Neonatorum (3 %), Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis (3 %) and Cradle cap (2 %). Conclusion The transient cutaneous lesions are common in neonates particularly Mongolian spots, Sebaceous gland hyperplasia, Epstein pearls, and Milia. Most of neonates have multiple transient cutaneous lesions which cause apprehension in family, so a careful evaluation is needed to avoid unnecessary therapeutic interventions.