Epidemiologic study of the predisposing factors in erythema toxicum neonatorum

Dermatology. 2005;210(4):269-72. doi: 10.1159/000084749.

Abstract

Background: Erythema toxicum neonatorum (ETN) is a very common disease, but its predisposing factors are still unknown.

Objective: To determine the predisposing factors of ETN.

Methods: Seven hundred and eighty-three neonates born in the same hospital during the same period were investigated, and the factors predisposing to ETN were evaluated in a case-control study.

Results: (1) The incidence of ETN is about 43.68%, and it is significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). (2) Term birth (p < 0.05), first-pregnancy birth (p < 0.001), the birth season (summer and autumn, p < 0.005), being fed with milk powder substitute or a mixed diet (p < 0.001) and vaginal delivery (p < 0.001) are the predisposing factors of ETN. (3) The severity of ETN in neonates born by vaginal delivery is significantly correlated with the total length of labor (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that environmental factors play an important role in the onset of ETN.

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Causality
  • China / epidemiology
  • Erythema / diagnosis*
  • Erythema / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Probability
  • Prognosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Distribution