Differential Diagnosis for Newborn Rash
- The following is a list of possible diagnoses for a newborn rash, categorized by likelihood and importance.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum: This is the most common rash in newborns, occurring in up to 50% of full-term infants. It is characterized by small, yellow or white bumps on a red base and typically appears within the first few days of life. It is a benign condition that resolves on its own.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Neonatal Acne: This is a common condition in newborns, caused by exposure to maternal hormones. It typically appears as small, inflamed bumps on the face, especially the nose, chin, and forehead.
- Milia: These are small, white bumps that appear on the nose, chin, and cheeks of newborns. They are caused by keratin buildup in the skin and are harmless.
- Cradle Cap (Seborrhoeic Dermatitis): This is a common condition in newborns, characterized by a red, scaly rash on the scalp. It is caused by an overactive immune system and can be treated with topical medications.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection: This is a serious condition that can cause a rash, as well as other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and seizures. It is essential to diagnose and treat HSV infection promptly to prevent serious complications.
- Congenital Syphilis: This is a rare but serious condition that can cause a rash, as well as other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and failure to thrive. It is essential to diagnose and treat congenital syphilis promptly to prevent serious complications.
- Bacterial Infections (e.g. Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome): These are serious conditions that can cause a rash, as well as other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and seizures. It is essential to diagnose and treat bacterial infections promptly to prevent serious complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Incontinentia Pigmenti: This is a rare genetic disorder that causes a rash, as well as other symptoms such as hair and tooth abnormalities. It is essential to diagnose and manage incontinentia pigmenti promptly to prevent serious complications.
- Epidermolysis Bullosa: This is a rare genetic disorder that causes blistering of the skin, which can appear as a rash. It is essential to diagnose and manage epidermolysis bullosa promptly to prevent serious complications.
- Congenital Rubella: This is a rare condition that can cause a rash, as well as other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and failure to thrive. It is essential to diagnose and manage congenital rubella promptly to prevent serious complications.