[Diagnosis of neonatal eruptions]

The aetiological diagnosis of a skin rash in a neonate requires an accurate clinical analysis. Smear examination of blister fluid is sometimes necessary. Macular-papular eruptions include erythema toxicum and generalized infections, viral as well as bacterial. Pustular eruptions include benign transient dermatoses and infections. Bullous eruptions include staphylococcal toxic syndromes and hereditary epidermolysis bullosa. So, whatever the clinical appearance of the rash, the main problem is to document an infection and to implement early treatment.