Erythema toxicum neonatorum (also known as toxic erythema of the
newborn) is a harmless red rash that appears on the skin of
newborns. This rash goes away on its own and has no symptoms. It
has often been likened to the appearance of a fleabite on the
skin. Erythema toxicum is an extremely common rash that does not
require any treatment, as it will spontaneously go away in 5–7
days. The cause of this rash is unknown. Who's At Risk
Approximately 50% of full-term newborns develop erythema toxicum
shortly after birth, most commonly seen on the second day of
life. Preterm infants are less commonly affected; however, they
may develop erythema toxicum at a week of life. It is also
uncommon in infants who weight less than 5.5 pounds at birth.
The rash does not appear to be seen more often in any particular
sex or race. Signs and Symptoms Erythema toxicum appears as
small (1–3 mm), firm, yellow or white raised bumps filled with
pus on top of a red area of skin. There may be a few to many
lesions, and they may be foun