Neonatal acne/Atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

In the second month of life neonatal acne and atopic dermatitis are the two skin disorders which more frequently affect the face of the infant. The etiology, the clinical features and the evolution with time of the two disorders are very different. However, both disorders may be associated with a scaling dermatitis of the scalp. Moreover, the absence of scratching is not a clue to the diagnosis of neonatal acne because even atopic dermatitis, especially in mild cases, is not associated with pruritus during the second month of life. At this age scratching is never present and in the se­vere cases may be replaced by rubbing against the pillow, restlessness and sleep­lessness.