Pattern of Neonatal Dermatoses in Newborns of Intensive Care Unit in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Neonates are presenting with various skin manifestations at birth or immediately after birth. Skin lesions in neonates can be physiological or pathological. Identification of physiological and pathological skin conditions with underlying associations helps in reassuring the parents or in the initiation of earlier interventions. Aim of the Study: To find out the prevalence of various neonatal dermatoses in newborns of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Materials and Methods: All the neonates (≤28 days after birth) with skin manifestations admitted in NICU were registered serially for the period of 1 year. The newborns were examined and the cutaneous signs and other associated manifestations were noted. Routine blood tests and other relevant investigations were done wherever necessary. Results: During the study period of 1 year, 55 neonates were registered. Infections were the most common dermatosis observed in 14 (25.45%) cases, followed by transient neonatal dermatosis 13 (23.63%) cases and nevus and developmental disorders 9 (16.36%) cases. Skin rashes due to sepsis were the fourth common dermatosis observed in 8 (14.54%) cases. Genodermatoses were the fifth common skin disorder noted in 6 (10.90%) neonates. Keratinization disorders were seen in 5 (9.09%). Conclusion: Skin infections were the most common dermatoses observed in this study and the risk of acquiring infectious dermatoses was more with prolonged hospitalization. Miliaria crystallina was the most common transient dermatosis observed in this study. The prevalence of transient neonatal pustular eruptions were less in newborns with comorbid conditions. Neonatal rashes were commonly associated with sepsis. Epidermolysis bullosa was the most common genodermatosis noted in this study. Piebaldism with natal teeth observed in our study have not been reported in the literature so far. Study on neonatal skin lesions and the associated pathological conditions will help in the management of newborn in NICUs.