Clinical Study of Cutaneous Manifestations in Neonates in A Tertiary Care Center in Eastern Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Introduction: In the neonatal period, a variety of cutaneous symptoms are frequent. To minimize unneeded therapy and to reduce parents' stress, it's important to distinguish between transient and pathological newborn dermatoses. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical pattern of cutaneous lesions in neonates.

Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we enrolled 512 neonates born and admitted in maternal child health care ward and Post Natal ward of a tertiary health care center irrespective of cutaneous manifestations. Convenience sampling technique was used. They were examined till their stay in hospital and followed up weekly via telephone for development of dermatological manifestations.

Results: Out of 512 neonates examined, 415 (81.05%) of neonate had at least one cutaneous manifestation, 393 (94.69%) had physiological skin lesions, 22 (5.31%) had pathological skin lesions. The most common physiological skin manifestations were sebaceous gland hyperplasia, mongolian spot, ETN, milia and epstein pearl. The pathological cutaneous manifestations though least common comprised of cradle cap, napkin dermatitis and bacterial infections. Most of the lesions were present within 24 hours of birth and many of them were physiological transient lesion.

Conclusions: In conclusion, our study highlights the high prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in neonates, with the majority being physiological in nature. Medical personnel must be well versed in the skin changes of neonates which will further help prevent unnecessary treatment and identify life threatening situations that require additional attention.