Toxic erythema of the newborn (Paediatrics)

Very low urgency
Common-
It is a benign inflammatory condition of the skin that occurs in about half of newborn babies. It usually appears between the first and third day of life and disappears a few days or weeks later.
 
The main symptom is the appearance of a rash with small yellow or whitish papules on red skin. It appears anywhere on the body and can change location over time.
 
The diagnosis is made by the paediatrician through a physical examination, without the need for diagnostic tests.
 
If you are concerned about the appearance of a rash, you can discuss it with your paediatrician, but it is a completely benign condition that does not cause your baby any discomfort and will disappear on its own without any special care or treatment.
Bibliographic references
  1. C. Requena, M. Febrer, M. Navarro, B. Escutia, J.I. Marí, A. Aliaga. Eritema tóxico neonatal pustuloso. Actas Dermosifiliogr 2000;91(6):289-290.
  2. AEP [Internet]. Madrid. 2017. Recién nacido: lesiones cutáneas benignas transitorias; [citado el 18 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://www.aeped.es/sites/default/files/documentos/rn_benignastransitorias_0.pdf
  3. MedlinePlus [Internet]. Rockville. 2017. Eritema tóxico; [citado el 18 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/001458.htm
  4. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Benign skin and scalp lesions in the newborn and young infant; [citado el 18 de julio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/benign-skin-and-scalp-lesions-in-the-newborn-and-young-infant?source=search_result&search=eritema+toxico+recien+nacido&selectedTitle=1~8
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Skin alteration


    Reddened skin


    Skin rash

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)
Bleeding lumps