Diagnosis of Common, Benign Neonatal Dermatoses

In 2003, Daniel Wallach, MD, reviewed benign neonatal dermatoses, detailing the normal skin appearance of newborns and recommended care, such as bathing and emollient use. The article discussed common benign skin conditions like physiologic desquamation, milia, miliaria, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, neonatal acne, cutis marmorata, erythema toxicum, and benign facial neonatal pustulosis caused by Malassezia species. It also described hair and nail conditions, including lanugo and scalp hair growth, and addressed nodular fat necrosis, which usually resolves within weeks. The goal was to help diagnose these conditions to prevent unnecessary worry and treatment.