DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2023.v11i12.022

Pages: 2131-2141

Neonatal dermatological emergencies (NDEs) are menacing diseases that present in the neonatal period (first 28 days of life) and demand prompt recognition and management. Nonetheless, the spectrum of these disorders, which range from infectious, ischemic, inflammatory and perhaps genetic, are diverse and pose clinical diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The objective of the present review is to combine reports of cases published between January 2022 and August 2023 to describe the most common NDEs, their diagnostic signs, management options and their impact on clinical practice. A comprehensive literature search was carried out by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and data extracted from nine peer-reviewed studies and case reports. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), purpura fulminans, ischemic limb lesions, epidermolytic ichthyosis, and monkeypox (mpox) in neonates were reported on critically. The text contained an algorithm for diagnosing clinically neonatal dermatopathies and summaries tables applicable to the strength of evidence and treatment guidelines. Results demonstrate a change in the pattern of emergency presentation with early discharge and increased parental anxiety; especially in low resource areas. Strengths and weaknesses in the current evidence, deficiencies in neonatal dermatology training, and regional differences in access to care were highlighted. Additionally, the review highlights the significance of cross-specialty cooperation and training in the early recognition and management. This narrative review adds to the increasing demand on one hand for a consensus clinical protocol, inclusion of more parental education and more research for the management of neonatal skin emergency cases.