Newborn skin lesions by dermatologist Erika Ariza
Dermatology
Author: Erika ArizaModified date:
Skin lesions in infants are much more frequent than you might imagine. Here I show you some of them.
Why do newborns have skin lesions?
- The skin of newborns is much thinner, which means that it is easy for water to be lost and drugs to be absorbed systemically through it.
- The epidermis and dermis (layers of the skin) tend to be less adherent, which makes it easier for lesions, such as blisters, pustules or vesicles, to appear.
- The weight of a newborn's skin is proportionally 4-5 times heavier than that of an adult.
What are the most common skin lesions in newborns?
- The sebaceous hyperplasias: They are the size of the tip of a pin, it is related to the hormonal stimulation of the mother towards the babies. They are more common in male babies.
- Milia: This is sebum retention, which is very common. Don't worry, they are lesions that appear out of nowhere and disappear out of nowhere, they can scratch and fall out of nowhere.
- Vascular abnormalities are very common. Fortunately, most are benign, but it must be followed by dermatology and pediatrics during its evolution.
- Hemangiomas can be of 2 types, the congenital which are from the
Birth or infantile, which are the most frequent, can be superficial where they resemble a strawberry in texture or they can have a deep component.
Some may have several in different parts of the body, or just one of varying size. The most important thing is that most disappear, but a residual lesion may remain, so it is important that treatment is done early to reduce this possibility. Some are very large and there is a greater possibility of ulceration, so it is important to start treatment from its appearance. Do not delay in consulting.
- The psalm spot, which is the most frequent vascular malformation, can disappear or be less evident before the age of 5, it is generally benign and you give it these names according to its location.
Angel kiss if it is in the forehead area or if it is on the nape of the stork peck.
If it is located in the lumbosacral region, they are called "butterfly spots". In these cases it is important to perform imaging studies.