Neonatal erythroderma: How to proceed?

Erythroderma is a rare disorder in the neonatal period and poses a great challenge to both dermatologists and pediatricians. The diagnosis of the underlying condition is frequently difficult to establish. A delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment may be responsible for high morbidity and mortality in this age group. Some of these diseases are potentially life threatening, and erythroderma itself can cause serious medical complications such as electrolyte imbalance, hypoproteinaemia, dehydration, sepsis, and temperature instability. Except for benign, transient conditions and those attributable to infection or drug related causes, most neonatal erythrodermas progress to severe dermatoses.