Epidemiologic study of the predisposing factors in erythema toxicum neonatorum.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Erythema toxicum neonatorum (ETN) is a very common disease, but its predisposing factors are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the predisposing factors of ETN. METHODS: Seven hundred and eighty-three neonates born in the same hospital during the same period were investigated, and the factors predisposing to ETN were evaluated in a case-control study. RESULTS: (1) The incidence of ETN is about 43.68%, and it is significantly higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). (2) Term birth (p < 0.05), first-pregnancy birth (p < 0.001), the birth season (summer and autumn, p < 0.005), being fed with milk powder substitute or a mixed diet (p < 0.001) and vaginal delivery (p < 0.001) are the predisposing factors of ETN. (3) The severity of ETN in neonates born by vaginal delivery is significantly correlated with the total length of labor (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that environmental factors play an important role in the onset of ETN.