Toxic erythema is a harmless skin rash that appears in newborns, usually a few days after birth, and disappears within two weeks. It is asymptomatic, non-contagious, and requires no medical intervention. Diagnosis is simple, and if a parent is unsure, they should see a doctor.
Toxic erythema, despite its decidedly vicious name, is, in fact, a benign skin rash seen in infants. It is common, asymptomatic and non-contagious, and usually resolves within a few days. While it’s a harmless disease, it can be distressing for a parent, especially a first-time parent, during those first anxious days of being a mom or dad. There’s no reason for a parent to panic, however, and no treatment or medication is needed.
The rash is more common in full-term babies and occurs from a couple of days after birth to two weeks after birth. It may appear within the first 48 hours of birth, but most cases occur later. Also called toxic rash of the newborn (ETN), it appears as small spots or bumps, blisters, or, in some cases, pustules that often have a red “halo” around them. The spots may disappear in minutes or days in one place and appear in other parts of the body. All parts of the body can be affected, but it is rarely seen on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
The spots or blisters might appear white or filled with pus, but the fluid inside isn’t actually pus. No viruses or bacteria are found in the fluid and the cause of the toxic erythema is unknown. A few medical hypotheses have been made about its cause, including allergy, but none of them have been conclusive.
Aside from the visible rash, toxic erythema has no other symptoms and does not appear to cause any discomfort to the baby. It requires no medical intervention and is self-limiting. Normal skin care for newborns should be followed using mild soap, if any, and baby lotion. The rash should disappear within two weeks. If your child experiences other symptoms or if the rash doesn’t go away within a couple of weeks, see a doctor right away.
Diagnosis is simple due to the characteristic appearance of the rash. If a parent is unsure, they should see a doctor. A doctor will be able to diagnose it right away and will let the parent know if it is toxic rash.
Toxic erythema has been described since early Mesopotamian times, and its earliest medical description is attributed to the 15th-century physician Bartholomaeus Metlinger. It affects 15-30 percent of newborns, regardless of race or gender, although its incidence appears to differ by geographic region. This may be due to lack of scientific information from some countries.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
