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.

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