Excerpt from Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis

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Background

Neonatal skin lesions are common and are frequent concerns for parents; therefore, recognition of the clinical diagnosis is important in order to reassure the family. Transient neonatal pustular melanosis is a benign skin condition with distinctive features characterized by vesicles, superficial pustules, and pigmented macules. The lesions are commonly present at birth and are most likely to appear on the chin, neck, forehead, chest, and back. Although less common, lesions may be seen on the palms and soles. The vesicles and pustules usually resolve within 48 hours, while the brown macules may persist for several months.

Frequency

United States

The rate of transient neonatal pustular melanosis is estimated to be 0.1-0.35% in white infants and 4-5% in black infants. The overall rate has been reported to be as high as 2.2%.

Mortality/Morbidity

Transient neonatal pustular melanosis is a benign, asymptomatic, and self-limiting skin eruption with no associated mortality or morbidity. Although melanotic macules usually resolve over several months, hyperpigmentation may be a rare long-term sequela.

Race

Transient neonatal pustular melanosis occurs in as many as 5% of African American newborns and in less than 0.4% of white infants.

Sex

This condition occurs equally in both sexes.

Age

Transient neonatal pustular melanosis is present at birth. Later phases of the rash may be visible for several months.

Please click here to view the full topic text: Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis