Incidence of vesicobullous and erosive disorders of neonates.

BACKGROUND: The entity vesicobullous disorders in neonates encompasses a varied spectrum of disorders varying from self limiting to potentially life threatening infectious diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the incidence of dermatoses in neonates, stress the importance of simple noninvasive diagnostic procedures with perspective to actual need of active intervention.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty four neonates with vesicobullous lesions in departments of dermatology and pediatrics were evaluated with respect to diagnosis, required treatments and follow ups.

RESULTS: Out of total 44 neonates, 29 were males and 15 females. Iinfectious dermatoses accounted for: 9% - staphylococcal pyoderma, 4,5% - Group A Streptococcal impetigo, 4,5% - neonatal tinea faciei, 2,3% - neonatal candidiasis, 2,3% - neonatal varicella/chickenpox and 2,3% - scabies. Transient skin lesions were: 41% - erythema toxicum neonatorum, 9% - milia crystallina, 6.8% - neonatal acne, 4,5% - sucking blisters, 2,3% - transient neonatal pustular melanosis, 2,3% - epidermolysis bullosa simplex, 2,3% - incontinentia pigmentii, 2,3% - eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, 2,3% - pemphigus vulgaris and 2,3% - neonatal herpes simplex.

CONCLUSIONS: Care has to be instituted to identify accurately infectious diseases and distinguish them from benign transient neonatal dermatoses. Some disorders first manifesting during the neonatal period may also represent harbingers of potential problems during adulthood. Finally, it is relevant to judge whether the treatment is required or not.