Management of Neonatal Rashes in the Emergency Department (Infectious Disease CME) | Points & Pearls
Click to check your cart0

Management of Neonatal Rashes in the Emergency Department (Infectious Disease CME)

Get a FREE Issue of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice

See why tens of thousands of urgent care clinicians choose Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice to stay sharp, save time, and improve patient care.

Points & Pearls Excerpt

  • Neonatal skin findings may be signs of infection including herpes simplex virus (HSV), syphilis, varicella, fungal infections, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS), or staphylococcus/streptococcus toxic shock, all of which have significant morbidity and mortality.
  • It is essential to obtain a comprehensive birth history, detailed maternal history, history from birth up until the time of presentation to the ED, and a thorough family history.
  • Any neonate aged ≤21 days who has a reported or measured temperature of ≥38°C, irrespective of the presence of skin findings, needs a complete infectious workup, defined as blood testing, urine testing, cerebral spinal fluid testing, and viral respiratory testing, if accessible.
  • An unwell-appearing or febrile neonate with a blistering rash requires immediate attention, evaluation, and management for serious infection, including blood work and antimicrobial therapy to cover for multiple potential invasive pathogens.
To Read The Companion Article:
To Read The Companion Article:
To Read The Companion Article:
Publication Information
Authors

Chelsey Mitchell, MD; Christine T. Lauren, MD, MHA; Kelsey Fawcett, MB, BCh, BAO

Peer Reviewed By

Sylvia E. Garcia, MD; Victoria Gregg, MD

Publication Date

December 1, 2025

CME Expiration Date

December 1, 2028    CME Information

CME Credits

4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, 4 ACEP Category I Credits, 4 AAP Prescribed Credits, 4 AOA Category 2-B Credits.
Specialty CME Credits: Included as part of the 4 credits, this CME activity is eligible for 2 Infectious Disease CME credits, subject to your state and institutional approval.

Pub Med ID: 41252647

Get Permission

Content you might be interested in
Get A Sample Issue Of Emergency Medicine Practice
Enter your email to get your copy today! Plus receive updates on EB Medicine every month.
Verification Word:
Enter Verification Word: