Related Experiment Videos
A prevalence survey of dermatoses in the Australian neonate
J K Rivers1, P C Frederiksen, C Dibdin
1Department of Surgery, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
Insights
Nearly all newborns have skin lesions. Small congenital melanocytic nevi in dark-skinned infants may indicate a lower melanoma risk, but further research is needed to confirm this association.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Dermatology
- Dermatopathology
- Melanoma Risk Assessment
Background:
- Neonatal skin examinations are crucial for identifying common transient dermatoses.
- Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are relatively common in newborns, with varying clinical implications.
- The relationship between CMN, skin complexion, and melanoma risk requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the prevalence of common neonatal skin lesions.
- To investigate the association between congenital melanocytic nevi, skin complexion, and family history of melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of skin and oral mucosa in 420 neonates within the first week of life.
- Documentation of common dermatoses and congenital melanocytic nevi.
- Correlation of CMN presence with infant complexion and family history of melanoma.
Main Results:
- Skin lesions were observed in 99.3% of neonates, with desquamation and Epstein's pearls being most frequent.
- Small congenital melanocytic nevi (<1.5 cm) were diagnosed in 2.1% of neonates, predominantly those with dark complexions and no family history of melanoma.
- Infants with a family history of melanoma (n=19) had fair complexions and no CMN.
Conclusions:
- Small congenital melanocytic nevi in neonates may be associated with a decreased risk of melanoma, particularly in individuals with darker skin.
- Conversely, the absence of CMN in fair-skinned infants with a family history of melanoma warrants attention.
- Prospective studies are essential to determine the definitive risk associated with CMN and optimize clinical management strategies.
Abstract:
A group of 420 neonates underwent total cutaneous and oral mucosal examinations during the first week of life. Skin lesions were seen in almost every baby (99.3%). The eight most common dermatoses were desquamation (65.0%), Epstein's pearls (56.0%), sebaceous hyperplasia (48.0%), milia (36%), toxic erythema (34.8%), salmon patch (33.8%), hypertrichosis (29.0%), and Mongolian spot (25.5%). Congenital melanocytic nevi were clinically diagnosed in 9 of 420 babies (2.1%); the majority of the lesions were small, that is, less than 1.5 cm in diameter. These neonates had a dark complexion (all had brown or black hair, and most had an olive skin color) and came from families with no previous history of cutaneous melanoma. In contrast, all 19 babies with a previous family history of melanoma had a fair complexion (blond or light brown hair and alabaster skin color) but no congenital melanocytic nevi. These findings may suggest that small congenital melanocytic nevi are markers for persons with a decreased risk of melanoma, because dark-skinned persons are at a lower risk. On the other hand, small congenital melanocytic nevi may be precursors of melanoma. Only prospective studies will determine the magnitude of this risk and thereby optimize management.