Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
06:59

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation

Published on: February 29, 2020

9.0K

Blue scalp discoloration in infants caused by exogenous source

Sarah Catalano1, Vicki Roberts2, Markus Boos3,4

  • 1Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Pediatric Dermatology
|February 19, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Blue scalp patches in infants are often concerning, but two cases revealed the cause was benign ink transfer from baby wipe packaging. This highlights an important, easily overlooked, exogenous cause of infant scalp pigmentation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Infant scalp blue patches present a wide differential diagnosis.
  • Considerations include vascular malformations, melanocytic lesions, and trauma.

Observation:

  • Two infants presented with blue discoloration on the vertex scalp.
  • Initial concerns prompted recommendations for advanced imaging and biopsy.

Findings:

  • The blue pigmentation in both cases resulted from ink transfer from baby wipe packaging stickers.
  • This represents an exogenous, benign cause of scalp discoloration.

Implications:

  • Recognizing this benign cause can prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures.
  • Clinicians should consider external factors in evaluating infant scalp lesions.

More Related Videos

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

7.1K
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates06:27

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates

Published on: December 31, 2015

8.6K

Related Concept Videos

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
4.2K
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
6.3K
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
5.0K