Introduction Bacterial skin infections in neonates and infants can present differently from those in older children, based on several factors: (1) the nature of the pathogen; (2) the developmental stage of the infant when infection is acquired: early (first or…
Inherited blistering diseases Epidermolysis bullosa Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a family of rare, inherited disorders characterized by fragility of the skin and sometimes the mucosa in response to minor mechanical trauma. EB is caused by mutations in at least 14…
Introduction Vesiculopustular and bullous disorders are common in the neonatal period and the first years of life. Accurate and prompt diagnosis is essential because some conditions that present with blisters and pustules are truly life-threatening. In contrast, many others are…
Introduction Developmental abnormalities of the skin are a diverse group of anomalies representing errors in morphogenesis. By definition, they are present at birth, although some are not evident in the neonatal period, but most present during infancy. They vary in…
Introduction A variety of untoward events may befall the developing infant while in utero or postpartum. Some of these perinatal problems are inherent in the birth process. Others are related to technologic advances that have become standard obstetric and nursery…
Introduction Transient benign cutaneous lesions in the newborn are important to recognize. Not only can parents be reassured, but costly, unnecessary and erroneous evaluations and treatment of presumed serious diseases can be prevented. This chapter discusses the most common transient…
Introduction Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are a standard part of the evaluation and management of dermatologic conditions in neonates and infants. Performing procedures on younger children can be technically challenging, and requires knowledge of differences in approach and other special…
Introduction The skin of the neonate has a defective skin barrier relative to an older child. The neonate is extremely vulnerable to damage by environmental agents such as harsh detergents, some topical oils and other irritant chemicals. These agents can…
Introduction The premature infant assumes the challenge of postnatal life, despite the immaturity of essential functions. Skin functions are primarily protective, and immaturity of the skin contributes to the vulnerability of the preterm infant. The main function of the skin…
Introduction Newborn infant skin can manifest with an extraordinary array of conditions. Neonatal cutaneous findings may indicate transitory, benign processes such as erythema toxicum neonatorum, or may represent important harbingers of internal disease or genetic alteration, as might be observed…