Neonatal Skin Emergencies

Although the majority of neonatal skin rashes can be safely monitored without intervention, there are a significant few that are dermatologic emergencies. When called to assess a neonate, it is important to distinguish what requires immediate diagnosis and treatment from those that represent benign etiologies. The skin may be the first clue to certain infections such as herpes simplex virus, syphilis, varicella, cytomegalovirus, fungal infections, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, all of which require immediate testing and some of which may lead to severe sequelae. Cutaneous findings in neonates may also indicate the need for further evaluation. Purpura fulminans, sclerema neonatorum, neonatal lupus, and blueberry muffin rash can be indications of other underlying disorders and are reviewed as well. This article outlines these potential neonatal dermatologic emergencies and highlights the important clinical clues to each. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(1):e36-e42.].