Question

A newborn born approximately 20 days ago has been experiencing red rashes on the face recently, which have faded after a few days and then reappeared on other parts of the body. The doctor has diagnosed it as toxic erythema, and the parents are concerned whether this condition will make the baby feel uncomfortable.

Answer

Newborn toxic erythema, also known as newborn urticaria, is a temporary skin condition characterized by red rashes, papules, and pustules, usually occurring within two weeks after birth. Most cases appear within four days after birth and recover by two weeks. The skin lesions may disappear within a few hours and heal spontaneously within 7 to 10 days without accompanying systemic symptoms. If your baby still has red rashes on the face at 20 days old, it is recommended to bring them to a local regular hospital for a dermatology consultation for examination and symptomatic treatment.