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Infantile pedal papules
Saul Greenberg1, Bernice R Krafchik
1Department of Pediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. saulped@yahoo.com
Insights
Infantile pedal papules, flesh-colored nodules on infant heels, are more common than previously thought. Studies show a 5.9% incidence in newborns and 39.4% in infants, highlighting their prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Infant Health
- Dermatological Conditions
Background:
- Infantile pedal papules are described as symmetric, painless, flesh-colored nodules.
- These papules typically appear on the medial aspects of an infant's heels.
- Previous literature suggested these lesions are uncommon in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the actual incidence of infantile pedal papules.
- To investigate the prevalence of these papules in newborns and older infants.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted involving 269 newborns and 189 infants.
- The incidence of infantile pedal papules was assessed in both age groups.
Main Results:
- The study found an incidence of 5.9% for infantile pedal papules in newborns.
- A significantly higher incidence of 39.4% was observed in infants.
Conclusions:
- Infantile pedal papules are more prevalent than previously reported in medical literature.
- These findings suggest a higher occurrence rate in the infant population, warranting further awareness.
Abstract:
Infantile pedal papules are symmetric, painless, flesh-colored nodules on the medial aspects of an infant's heels. Although the medical literature suggests they are uncommon, a survey of 269 newborns and 189 infants indicates the incidence of these to be 5.9% in newborns and 39.4% in infants.
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