Neonatal dermatology at tertiary care teaching hospital

To determine the nature of the neonatal dermatological problems at Hamdard University Hospital Descriptive (Observational) cross sectional study. This study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2008 All children under the age of 28 days, with dermatological problems visiting either Pediatric or Dermatology ward/OPD/ Emergency of Hamdard University Hospital were included in the study, these cases were seen by pediatricians & confirmed by the dermatologist. The history was followed by a general physical and systemic examination and detailed skin examination. Relevant investigations were done including blood cultures. 77 cases below the age of 28 days (neonates) were seen during the study period, there were 26 cases of neonatal skin infections (33.76%), 13 cases of hereditary disorders (16.88%), 12 cases of nappy rash (15.58%), 10 cases of erythema toxicum neonatorum 9.8%), 8 cases of milia (10,38%) and 4 cases of erythema following phototherapy (5.19%). Pediatric dermatology deserves to be treated as a separate subspecialty requiring proper training. The close liaison between the pediatrician and the dermatologist will help in early prevention and treatment.