Transient neonatal pustular melanosis

Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis is a benign, idiopathic, vesiculopustular dermatosis that is present at birth or in the early neonatal period. It is characterized by small, superficial, sterile pustules that rupture easily, leaving a collarette of scale and pigmented macules that persist for several weeks to months.

Clinical Presentation

Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis presents at birth or within the first few days of life with small (1-3 mm), flaccid, superficial, sterile pustules. These pustules rupture easily, leaving behind a collarette of scale and pigmented macules. The macules are brown to black and persist for several weeks to months. The lesions are most commonly found on the chin, neck, back, and extremities, but can be found anywhere on the body.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis is typically made clinically, based on the characteristic appearance of the lesions. A skin biopsy is rarely needed, but if performed, it shows intraepidermal vesicles filled with neutrophils and eosinophils, and the dermis may show a mild perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate.

Treatment

No treatment is necessary for Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis, as the condition is self-limiting and resolves spontaneously. The pigmented macules gradually fade over several weeks to months.

Epidemiology

Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis is more common in African American infants, but it can occur in infants of any race. It is also more common in female infants.

See Also

• Neonatal acne
• Erythema toxicum neonatorum
• Miliaria

References

Transient neonatal pustular melanosis Resources
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