Intended for healthcare professionals
OVERVIEW

Common rashes in the newborn

Samantha Ibbs

MBChB, MRCPCH Paediatrician with specialist interest in dermatology, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Richard Barlow

MBBS, BSc, MRCP Dermatology registrar, Coventry Hospital, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Marie-Louise Lovgren

MBBS, BSc, MRCP Consultant Dermatologist, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Rashes are common in the neonatal period, defined as the first four weeks of life.

Although the epidermis and dermis are histologically mature by week 34 of gestation, neonatal skin is structurally and functionally immature in terms of barrier properties, immune defences and adnexal structures. Premature babies (defined as <37 weeks gestation) have a thinner, weaker skin supported by smaller collagen fibrils with less developed capillary networks and adnexal structures. In addition, the ratio of body surface area to volume is higher. For all these reasons, newborn skin, particularly in premature babies, is susceptible to water loss, infection and absorption of toxins, factors which must be considered when treating neonatal rashes.1

The aim of this article is to enable general practitioners and other health professionals to confidently diagnose and manage common neonatal rashes.

Normal neonatal skin changes

Dermatology in practice 2020; 26(3): 9–12
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Dermatology in practice was previously supported by Wyeth from 2008 to 2010, by Wyeth and Serono in 2007, by Wyeth and Shire from 2005 to 2006, by Medlock Medical in 2004 and by SSL International from 2001 to 2003.

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