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| |    Newborn Skin Rashes: Erythema Toxicum by Dr. Benjamin Spock reviewed and revised by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. This very common newborn rash appears within the first few days of life. More than half of babies get this rash. It has the classic appearance of splotchy red patches that are 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter. Many of these spots have tiny white or yellowish pimple heads. Erythema toxicum, also referred to as "E. tox", has the characteristic feature that it tends to come and go on different parts of the face and body. Individual spots can disappear within hours of showing up (similar to hives in older children and adults). The only place E. tox does not occur is on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. E. tox usually appears on the second or third day of life, and can be limited to a few spots on the face or an impressive number of spots over the body. It fades completely with the course of a week or so. While we don't know what causes this common rash, we do know that it is harmless, and once it goes away, it doesn't come back. Rashes that do not have the tendency to come and go over a matter of hours or that appear after the first several days of life are not likely to be Erythema toxicum. Larger, pus-filled blisters or pimples could be infections and should be reported promptly to the doctor or nurse practitioner. Avoid picking at the spots with blister-like centers, as this can cause an otherwise harmless rash to become infected.
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