Crutchfield
Dermatology
THESE PERIODS OF hemicephalic erythema occur on both sides
of the face/head in the same baby. They can last a few seconds to
a few minutes and then completely disappear! They can occur at
any time but occur most commonly when the baby is lying down,
on the dependent side of the head.
DIAGNOSIS: Harlequin color change — unilateral transient
hemifacial erythema in a newborn
Amazingly, this odd half-head, ephemeral flushing reaction
has been reported to occur in 10% of all newborns. The condi
-
tion is harmless and is not a harbinger of any other health
concerns. The condition usually appears in the first few days
of life and almost always resolves within four weeks, if not
sooner, without any additional appearances or complications.
The condition can occur on both sides of the head in the same
newborn, as it did in this patient.
The exact cause is uncertain, but noted, board-certified
dermatologist, Neil Shah, MD, of Minnesota believes it is a
result of a slightly immature autonomic nervous system that
rapidly catches up in a few days or weeks after birth, resulting
in a complete disappearance of the condition. No additional
work-up is required.
For more information, contact Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD,
at Crutchfield Dermatology or visit crutchfielddermatology.com.
n
BY CHARLES E. CRUTCHFIELD III, MD
Case of the Month
A NE WBORN BABY HA S PERIODS OF ERY THEMA
COVERING HALF OF HER FACE /HE AD.
with
2 2❱❱❱❱❱ C A S E O F T H E M O N T H
