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Updated: Feb 21, 2026
04:43
Visualizing Visual Adaptation
Published on: April 24, 2017
9.6K
Harlequin Colour Change
Suneeta Khemani1, Shirin Bahadur Ali1, Sarfaraz Karim1
1Department of Paediatrics, Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children, Kharadar, Karachi.
Summary
Harlequin colour change (HCC) is a rare, benign neonatal condition. This transient, unilateral skin discolouration resolves spontaneously, highlighting the importance of physician recognition to avoid unnecessary tests.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Harlequin colour change (HCC) is a rare, benign, and transient neonatal condition.
- It typically presents in the initial days of life and resolves spontaneously.
- The presumed cause is hypothalamic immaturity affecting capillary bed regulation, possibly influenced by gravity.
Observation:
- A case of HCC in a healthy neonate is presented.
- The presentation was characterized by unilateral, well-demarcated erythema with patchy pallor.
- The colour change was observed twice, resolving within 20 minutes on each occasion.
Findings:
- The neonate remained vitally stable throughout the episodes.
- The condition resolved spontaneously and was not observed again.
- The infant was discharged in a stable condition after 48 hours.
Implications:
- Physicians must recognize Harlequin colour change to avoid unnecessary investigations.
- Understanding HCC prevents misdiagnosis and unnecessary medical interventions in healthy newborns.
- This case reinforces the benign and self-limiting nature of HCC.
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