Rashes in infants. Pitfalls and masquerades.

BACKGROUND: Physiological and pathological skin eruptions are extremely common in neonates and are often presented to the general practitioner as either a primary or incidental problem at consultation.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the presentation and treatment of common dermatological conditions presenting in the first six months of life.

DISCUSSION: Common conditions such as pityrosporum folliculitis, neonatal acne, cradle cap, eczema and food allergy are discussed. The rarer conditions of zinc deficiency and neonatal lupus are described because they may pose significant potential medical consequences.