Toxic erythema of the newborn (also known as erythema toxicum, erythema toxicum…

Toxic erythema of the newborn (also known as erythema toxicum, erythema toxicum neonatorum, milk spots, baby acne and newborn rash) is an extremely common rash seen in infants.

It affects as many as half of all full-term newborn infants but is less common in infants born prematurely. There is no known cause although it is thought to be a baby's reaction to heat or the new environment outside the womb. . Tiny spots similar to a heat rash appear on the face first usually and can sometimes spread to the trunk and limbs. It looks similar to a heat rash with numerous pimples covering the skin.

Neonatorum toxicum does not cause a baby to be unwell. If your baby has a rash and also appears unwell, seek advice straight away. . Most cases of toxic erythema of the newborn begin in the first few couple of weeks after birth. It can appear quite angry and widespread but is usually not as bad as it looks. You dont need to put anything on your babys face to treat it as the spots will disappear within a few weeks. Creams/oils are not recommended for use on babies under 1 month of age, unless advised by your care provider.

Did your baby have this rash?