[Neonatal toxic erythema : clinico-epidemiologic characteristics and recent pathogenic hypothesis]

Erythema toxic neonatorum (ETN) is a common, self-limiting condition of term infants, appearing particularly within the first 48 hours of life. ETN has a worldwide distribution, with a frequency variable from 19% to 72%. Erythematous macules, wheals, papules and pustules in varying combination occur, with crops of lesions waxing and waning and spontaneous resolution within hours to days. It's important the differential diagnosis from other pustular neonatal conditions, some of which are severe. The etiology of ETN remains unknown. Recent studies reveal an activation of immune cells in the lesions of ETN and a high presence of peptide antibiotics, suggesting that ETN is an inflammatory skin reaction to the microbial colonization at birth.