MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Erythema toxicum

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Erythema toxicum

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms	Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Neonate

Alternative names Return to top

Erythema toxicum neonatorum

Definition Return to top

Erythema toxicum is a benign condition of the newborn characterized by a central whitish to yellowish-white papule surrounded by reddened skin; the papule appears temporarily for a period ranging from hours to days and then disappears (evanesces).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Erythema toxicum may appear in 50 percent or more of all normal newborn infants. It usually appears in term infants between the ages of three days and two weeks. Its cause is unknown. The condition may be present in the first few hours of life, generally appears after the first day, and may last for several days. Although the condition is harmless, it can be of great concern to the new parent.

There may be a few or many whitish papules and the associated erythema (redness) may be splotchy and extensive. The lesions are usually on the face and trunk, but they can also appear on other areas of the body including the upper arms, and thighs. Individual lesions are often transient, appearing in one area for several hours and then appearing in a different location.

Symptoms Return to top

small whitish papule surrounded by reddened skin in the newborn infant

Signs and tests Return to top

Examination by your health care provider during a routine well-baby exam is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis. No testing is usually needed.

Treatment Return to top

The large red splotches typically disappear without any treatment or changes in skin care.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

You can expect full clearing of the lesions within two weeks.

Complications Return to top

There are no complications.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Discuss the condition with your health care provider during a routine examination if you are concerned.

Update Date: 10/30/2003

Updated by: Philip L. Graham III, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New York, Columbia University, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.