RESUMO
The frequency of neonatal skin disorders has not been well studied in Egypt. Our aim was to address patterns of dermatologicaf changes in a sample of Egyptian newborns. In a descriptive prospective cohort study 600 newborns in Sohag University hospital nursery were dermatologically examined within the first 5 days of birth. Skin disorders were detected in 240 neonates [40.0%]. Birthmarks were found in 100 neonates [16.7%], mainly melanocytic type [mongolian spots in 11.7% and congenital melanocytic naevi in 2.7%]. Fungal skin infections, including oral moniliasis, fungal infection in the napkin area or candidal intertrigo, were detected in 13.3% and bacterial infections in 1.3% of neonates. Comparisons with other studies worldwide indicated a higher rate of fungal infections and lower rate of birthmarks in our study. Routine neonatal dermatological evaluation is recommended, especially in view of the high rate of fungal skin infections