Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Erythema toxicum

Table of Contents

Definition

Erythema toxicum is a common, noncancerous skin condition seen in newborns.


Alternative Names

Erythema toxicum neonatorum


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Erythema 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.


Images

Neonate

Review Date: 08/24/2009
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)