Dr Lathiesh Kumar, one of the best Pediatrician & neonatologists in Whitefield, Bangalore speaks about the skin problems normally faced by newborns. He highlights the criticalities of these problems, how long the conditions stay, and what can be done to treat the conditions? Let’s deep dive into these topics below.

Skin Problems in Children

The newborns are usually affected with several skin problems in the initial days after birth. Dr. Lathiesh Kumar has covered majority of these problems with details in the video.

Vernix Caseosa

Vernix Caseosa is a whitish adherent cheesy covering on the skin of newborns. It maintains the body temperature and protects the skin from amniotic fluids. It acts as a barrier to bacteria.

It is generally seen 1-2 weeks after the birth of newborns.

Acrocyanosis

It is a bluish discoloration of hands, feet, and perioral areas in the body. It occurs in newborns because of immature peripheral circulation. Generally, it is exacerbated by cold temperatures.

It is seen after 24 hours of birth and usually disappears in a few hours.

Normal Skin Peeling

It usually occurs after 24 to 36 hours of birth and resolves very spontaneously. It does not need any cream, oil, or lotion to heel.

Cutis Marmorata

It is a bluish mottling of skin in response to chilling, stress, or over-stimulation. It resolves quickly with warming.

Generally, it fades away in the first 2-3 weeks of birth.

Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum

It is a prevalent rash-like formation seen in 50% of newborns. It is small and white or yellowish and appears in the face, trunk, and limbs.

It usually appears in 2-3 days after birth and migrates to other parts of the body in hours. It ends in 2 weeks after birth.

Harlequin Color Change

It is a transient red color momentary change occurring in 10% of healthy newborns. It can be seen in the first 2-5 days of the birth. It persists not more than 30 seconds to 20 minutes.