Toxic erythema

Toxic erythema is a common skin problem in newborns that causes small red patches to appear on the skin, especially on the face, chest, arms and butt.

Usually, neonatal toxic erythema appears a few hours after birth and lasts for about 2 weeks, being a normal reaction of the baby's skin that, although it may worry the parents, does not cause any discomfort, complication or developmental problem in the baby.

The toxic erythema in the newborn is curable and, normally, no treatment is needed, disappearing alone.

Photo of toxic erythema

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Diagnosis of toxic erythema

The diagnosis of toxic erythema is made by the pediatrician while still in the maternity ward or in a routine consultation through the observation of skin spots and, therefore, diagnostic tests are not necessary.

Treatment for toxic erythema

Neonatal toxic erythema does not need any treatment, however, some precautions that help speed up the disappearance of spots include:

Bathing once a day, avoiding excessive bathing, as it can get irritated and dry; Avoid touching the red spots on the skin; Use moisturizing creams on the skin without perfume or other substances that can irritate the skin.

In addition, the baby can be fed or breastfed normally without the need for special care with feeding, other than normal for the age.