Question

Difficulty: EasyNeonatal Disorders

Match each classic clinical description of a benign neonatal skin finding to its correct diagnosis.

  • Erythematous macules with central yellow-white papules appearing on day 2 of life; smear of contents reveals numerous eosinophilsErythema toxicum neonatorum
  • Vesiculopustules present at birth that rupture easily, leaving a hyperpigmented macule with a collarette of scale; smear reveals numerous neutrophilsTransient neonatal pustular melanosis
  • Firm, pearly-white epidermoid cysts commonly found on the nose, chin, and cheeks of newbornsMilia
  • Blue-gray, ill-defined macular hyperpigmentation typically located on the sacrum or buttocks of darker-skinned infantsCongenital dermal melanocytosis

Answer

The day-2 rash with eosinophils matches Erythema toxicum neonatorum. The rash present at birth with neutrophils matches Transient neonatal pustular melanosis. The pearly-white epidermoid cysts match Milia. The blue-gray sacral macular hyperpigmentation matches Congenital dermal melanocytosis.
Each clinical description aligns perfectly with a distinct, self-limiting neonatal skin finding. Recognizing these classic presentations is crucial for providing parental reassurance and avoiding unnecessary diagnostic testing for infectious etiologies.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the time of onset and cellular characteristics of the vesicular/pustular rashes to distinguish between them.
The rash appearing on day 2 with eosinophils matches erythema toxicum neonatorum. The rash present at birth with neutrophils and a scale collarette matches transient neonatal pustular melanosis.
Differentiating these two common pustular rashes requires comparing their onset time and predominant inflammatory cell type.
2
Identify the characteristic appearance and location of the remaining benign skin findings.
The pearly-white facial keratin cysts are identified as milia. The blue-gray sacral hyperpigmentation is identified as congenital dermal melanocytosis.
These are distinct, classic presentations of common neonatal dermatologic findings that do not involve pustules.

Key Concept

Differentiation of benign neonatal skin findings based on onset time, morphology, and cellular content
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