Erythema toxicum
Encyclopedia
Erythema toxicum neonatorum (also known as "Erythema toxicum," and "Toxic erythema of the newborn") is a common rash in neonates. It appears in up to half of newborns carried to term, usually between day 2-5 after birth.
Erythema toxicum is characterized by blotchy red spots on the skin with overlying white or yellow papules or pustules. These lesions may be few or numerous. The eruption typically resolves within a few days.
Hypersensitivity
to detergents in bedsheets and clothing is sometimes suspected, but the connection remains unproven.
It is thought to be a benign condition that causes no discomfort to the infant. The rash will generally disappear spontaneously in about 2 weeks.
; however, the latter generally has a more clustered and vesicular
appearance.
In uncertain cases, a scraping of a lesion can be done and the fluid examined under the microscope. Herpes lesions will have a positive direct fluorescent antibody
test. The fluid from erythema toxicum lesions will show many eosinophils
.
Erythema toxicum is characterized by blotchy red spots on the skin with overlying white or yellow papules or pustules. These lesions may be few or numerous. The eruption typically resolves within a few days.
Cause
The cause of erythema toxicum is unknown.Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity refers to undesirable reactions produced by the normal immune system, including allergies and autoimmunity. These reactions may be damaging, uncomfortable, or occasionally fatal. Hypersensitivity reactions require a pre-sensitized state of the host. The four-group classification...
to detergents in bedsheets and clothing is sometimes suspected, but the connection remains unproven.
It is thought to be a benign condition that causes no discomfort to the infant. The rash will generally disappear spontaneously in about 2 weeks.
Diagnosis
At times the appearance can raise concern that the rash could be due to herpes simplexHerpes simplex
Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by both Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 . Infection with the herpes virus is categorized into one of several distinct disorders based on the site of infection. Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are colloquially called cold sores or fever...
; however, the latter generally has a more clustered and vesicular
Vesicle (biology)
A vesicle is a bubble of liquid within another liquid, a supramolecular assembly made up of many different molecules. More technically, a vesicle is a small membrane-enclosed sack that can store or transport substances. Vesicles can form naturally because of the properties of lipid membranes , or...
appearance.
In uncertain cases, a scraping of a lesion can be done and the fluid examined under the microscope. Herpes lesions will have a positive direct fluorescent antibody
Direct fluorescent antibody
Direct fluorescent antibody is a laboratory test that uses antibodies tagged with fluorescent dye that can be used to detect the presence of microorganisms. This method offers straightforward detection of antigens using fluorescently labeled antigen-specific antibodies...
test. The fluid from erythema toxicum lesions will show many eosinophils
Eosinophil granulocyte
Eosinophil granulocytes, usually called eosinophils or eosinophiles , are white blood cells that are one of the immune system components responsible for combating multicellular parasites and certain infections in vertebrates. Along with mast cells, they also control mechanisms associated with...
.
External links
- Photo at University of IowaUniversity of IowaThe University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
- Erythema Toxicum Information