[Pustular diseases of the newborn]

Abstract

In the newborn, there exists a wide spectrum of pustular skin diseases. These range from transitory, benign adaptation disorders up to systemic, life threatening illnesses. In 30-60% of newborns pustules are observed in association with the relatively harmless Erythema toxicum, the origin of which is still unknown today. It is necessary to differentiate this from the pustular diseases which may be of infectious or non-infectious nature and which require therapy. Typical pathogens include Malassezia furfur, Staphylococci, Streptococci, Candida spp. and the herpes virus group.