Differential Diagnosis for Skin Lesion in a Newborn
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Congenital melanocytic nevus: This is a common skin lesion found in newborns, presenting as a pigmented lesion that can vary in size and color. It is often benign but can have varying degrees of risk for malignancy depending on size and other factors.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Hemangioma: A benign tumor made up of blood vessels, often appearing as a red, lumpy lesion. It can grow rapidly during the first year of life but usually resolves on its own.
- Erythema toxicum neonatorum: A common, harmless condition characterized by small, yellow or white bumps on a red base, typically appearing in the first few days of life and resolving without treatment.
- Infantile hemangiomas (also known as baby hemangiomas): These are benign tumors that appear as red lumps and can grow quickly, but they often shrink and disappear by age 10.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Malignant melanoma: Although rare in newborns, it is crucial to consider due to its potential severity and the need for early intervention.
- Lymphangioma: A rare condition that involves the lymphatic vessels and can appear as a skin lesion. It may require surgical intervention.
- Neurofibroma: A type of tumor that arises from nerve tissue, which can be part of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder.
- Rare diagnoses
- Epidermal nevus syndrome: A rare condition characterized by the presence of epidermal nevi (skin lesions) along with other systemic manifestations such as neurological, skeletal, or eye abnormalities.
- Congenital dermatitis herpetiformis: A rare skin condition that presents with blistering lesions and is associated with celiac disease.
- Incontinentia pigmenti: A rare genetic disorder that affects the skin, hair, teeth, nails, and central nervous system, presenting with characteristic skin lesions that evolve over time.