A pustular eruption on a newborn’s face and trunk that is transient is most consistent with which diagnosis?

A pustular eruption on a newborn’s face and trunk that is transient is most consistent with which diagnosis?

• A. Streptococcal infection
• B. Erythema toxicum
• C. Herpes infection
• D. Staphylococcal infection

Answer: (B)

A key idea here is recognizing a benign, transient pustular eruption that commonly affects newborns. This presentation fits erythema toxicum neonatorum: small erythematous papules or vesicles with central pustules appearing on the face and trunk soon after birth and then fading on its own within days to a couple of weeks. The infant remains well—no fever, feeding problems, or systemic signs—which is typical for this condition. This contrasts with infectious causes. Staphylococcal or streptococcal skin infections tend to persist longer, may have warmth, spreading lesions, crusting, or systemic signs; neonatal herpes would usually show grouped vesicles, possibly mucosal involvement, and can be associated with fever or neurologic symptoms, requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. So the transient, widespread pustules in a healthy newborn most strongly indicate erythema toxicum neonatorum.

A key idea here is recognizing a benign, transient pustular eruption that commonly affects newborns. This presentation fits erythema toxicum neonatorum: small erythematous papules or vesicles with central pustules appearing on the face and trunk soon after birth and then fading on its own within days to a couple of weeks. The infant remains well—no fever, feeding problems, or systemic signs—which is typical for this condition. This contrasts with infectious causes. Staphylococcal or streptococcal skin infections tend to persist longer, may have warmth, spreading lesions, crusting, or systemic signs; neonatal herpes would usually show grouped vesicles, possibly mucosal involvement, and can be associated with fever or neurologic symptoms, requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. So the transient, widespread pustules in a healthy newborn most strongly indicate erythema toxicum neonatorum.