Which inflammatory cell is characteristically found in lesions of erythema toxicum neonatorum?

Which inflammatory cell is characteristically found in lesions of erythema toxicum neonatorum?

• A. Neutrophils
• B. Lymphocytes
• C. Macrophages
• D. Eosinophils

Answer: (D)

Eosinophils are the inflammatory cells typically seen in erythema toxicum neonatorum lesions. This common newborn eruption appears in the first days of life as small red papules with central vesicles or pustules. Histology characteristically shows an eosinophil-predominant infiltrate in the superficial dermis and eosinophils within the vesicle fluid. This eosinophil-rich pattern helps distinguish erythema toxicum from infectious or other pustular conditions in newborns, which are often neutrophil-dominated. The condition is benign and self-limited, usually resolving within a week or two without treatment, so the main clinical takeaway is reassurance rather than aggressive therapy.

Eosinophils are the inflammatory cells typically seen in erythema toxicum neonatorum lesions. This common newborn eruption appears in the first days of life as small red papules with central vesicles or pustules. Histology characteristically shows an eosinophil-predominant infiltrate in the superficial dermis and eosinophils within the vesicle fluid. This eosinophil-rich pattern helps distinguish erythema toxicum from infectious or other pustular conditions in newborns, which are often neutrophil-dominated. The condition is benign and self-limited, usually resolving within a week or two without treatment, so the main clinical takeaway is reassurance rather than aggressive therapy.