Publication:

Mucocutaneous manifestations in newborn: a study from tertiary care centre, Karnataka

Background The spectrum of dermatological manifestations in neonates varies from era to era and country to country. Skin lesions in neonatal period vary from transient self-limiting conditions to serious dermatoses, requiring specific therapies. Skin lesions are extremely common in newborns and can be a significant source of parental concern. The objective of the study was to study various mucocutaneous lesions in newborn babies.

Methods The present descriptive cross sectional observational study was conducted in department of dermatology, Navodaya Medical College, Raichur. A total 500 neonates were included in the study from January 2012 to September 2013. Data collected and analysed by using SPSS 16.0 version.

Results Prevalence of skin lesions in this study was found to be 97.4%. Maximum skin lesions were observed in 47 subjects (9.4%). Prevalence of Epstein pearls was 58%, Mongolian spots 53.6% and erythema toxicum neonatorum was 28%. Epstein pearls (males 60.2%, female 55.7%) and Mongolian spots (males 53.9%, females 53.3%) predominated.

Conclusions Prevalence of mucocutaneous skin lesions in newborn babies was 97.4%. High prevalence of Epstein pearls (58%), Mongolian spots (53.6%) and erythema toxicum neonatorum (28.6%) were observed.