What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• TNPM (Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis)
• Transient Neonatal Pustular Dermatosis
• Transient Neonatal Pustulosis

What is Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis (TNPM) is a common skin condition of newborns that presents tiny pus-filled lesions (pustules) anywhere on the body. The cause of TNPM is unknown and no risk factors have been identified
• The condition is transient, meaning it lasts for a short period, following which it resolves spontaneously in the absence of any treatment. The prognosis of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis is excellent

Who gets Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis is described in between 0.2% to 4% of the newborn and infant children; the condition is typically noted within the first few days, and in some cases, it may be even present at birth
• The skin condition affects both boys and girls
• There is no racial or ethnic predilection, and the condition is observed worldwide
• A much higher incidence of the condition is reported in African American babies (some studies say 15%) than Caucasian babies (under 1%)

What are the Risk Factors for Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis? (Predisposing Factors)

• Presently, there are no well-defined risk factors identified for Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis? (Etiology)

• The cause of formation of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis (TNPM) is currently unknown. No known systemic conditions or disorders are observed as being causative
• According to some experts, TNPM may be a variant of erythema toxicum neonatorum, a benign condition affecting newborn children

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis?

The signs and symptoms of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis are as follows:

• Presence of tiny skin eruptions; some are solitary, while many appear in groups
• These superficial skin lesions are termed pustules, meaning they are pus-filled elevated lesions
• The individual size of the lesions may range from 1 mm to 3 mm
• The lesions may be present on any part of the body, such as the face, neck, trunk, and limbs, including on the palms and soles
• After a few days to a week, the lesions rupture with formation of crust, and are then known to heal
• New lesions are not observed when old lesions heal
• Following resolution (within weeks to few months), darker-colored pigmented skin surface may be observed

The skin remains healthy and permanent scarring is not observed after the dark pigmentation fades away.

How is Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis Diagnosed?

• Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis is frequently diagnosed through a simple physical examination by the pediatrician or dermatologist; a visualization is usually sufficient for establishing the diagnosis
• Culture of skin lesions (pustules), if necessary
• Additional medical investigations may be necessary to rule out infections, if necessary

A differential diagnosis may be necessary to eliminate other conditions that present similar signs and symptoms such as:

• Acropustulosis of infancy
• Candidiasis
• Erythema toxicum neonatorum
• Miliaria
• Neonatal cephalic pustulosis
• Staphylococcal folliculitis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis?

• Typically, there are no significant and long-term complications observed from Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis
• The condition is not associated with any systemic signs and symptoms
• Sometimes, it may cause emotional and psychological stress for the parents

How is Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis Treated?

There is no treatment necessary for Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis since the condition is self-healing.

How can Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis be Prevented?

Currently, there are no available guidelines or measures to prevent Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis as the cause of the condition is unknown.

However, the following measures may be considered by parents/caregivers to reduce its severity and/or prevent aggravation of the same:

• Regular washing baby’s face and body with mild baby soap
• Avoiding perfumed baby products such as soaps or bubble baths
• Avoiding scrubbing baby’s body and face
• Not pinching or squeezing the pustules

What is the Prognosis of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis is excellent as the skin condition typically resolves within a few months (about 3 months), and no scarring is noted.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Transient Neonatal Pustular Melanosis:

• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for acne; but, it helps to be clean and hygienic