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Am Fam Physician. 2024;109(3):217-221

This is part II of a two-part article on newborn skin. “Newborn Skin: Part I. Common Rashes and Skin Changes,” appears in this issue of AFP.

This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for CME.

Author disclosure: No relevant financial relationships.

Birthmarks in newborns can be classified as vascular, melanocytic or pigmented, or markers of underlying developmental abnormalities of the nervous system. A nevus simplex is a benign capillary malformation. Newborns with a nevus flammeus can be safely treated before one year of age with a pulsed dye laser to reduce the visibility of lesions. Infantile hemangiomas should be treated with systemic beta blockers if there is a risk of life-threatening complications, functional impairment, ulceration, underlying abnormalities, permanent scarring, or alteration of anatomic landmarks. Dermal melanocytosis is a benign finding that is easily recognized and does not warrant further evaluation. A solitary congenital melanocytic nevus that is less than 20 cm in diameter may be observed in primary care; children with larger or multiple nevi should be referred to pediatric dermatology due to the risk of melanoma. Newborns with skin markers of occult spinal dysraphism (other than a simple, solitary dimple) should have lumbar spine imaging using ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Birthmarks are common sources of parental concern, and some require evaluation and treatment. Birthmarks can be classified as vascular, as melanocytic or pigmented, or as markers of underlying developmental abnormalities of the nervous system. Part II of this article reviews the identification and management of birthmarks that appear in the neonatal period, with an emphasis on prognosis and appropriate counseling for parents. Part I of this article, which also appears in this issue of American Family Physician, discusses the presentation, prognosis, and treatment of common rashes and skin changes that may present during an infant's first four weeks of life.1

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