Though the name sounds scary, this is a benign condition which is common in newborns.
Description
Erythema toxicum is a red, blotchy rash which seems to be related to the skin adjusting to its new environment.
Symptoms
The rash usually starts on the second or third day of life. The blotches are about 1/2 to 1 inches in diameter and are irregularly shaped. Some lesions have a small white spot or lump in the middle. It tends to come and go and move around the body. It is most common on the trunk, neck, and face.
Who gets it?
More than 50% of normal, healthy newborns get erythema toxicum.
Is it contagious?
No, it is not.
How long does it last?
The rash tends to come and go, and typically lasts up to 2 weeks. Individual blotches can last from a few hours to a few days.
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by its characteristic appearance in a newborn baby.
What is the treatment?
No treatment is necessary.
How can it be prevented?
It cannot be prevented.
When to be concerned
Erythema toxicum itself is not a concern, but it can be misdiagnosed. If your baby is acting sick, or if the rash has tiny fluid filled vesicles or blisters, then the child should be examined right away.
