Affiliation:
1. Pediatric Dermatology Department Hospital General de Agudos “J. M. Ramos Mejía” Buenos Aires Argentina
2. Department of Dermatology Hospital Aleman Buenos Aires Argentina
3. Pathology Service Hospital Alemán Buenos Aires Argentina
Abstract
ABSTRACTIntroductionNewborn filiform periungual hyperkeratosis (NFPH) incidence and prevalence during the neonatal period remain unknown and have not been described in current literature. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications during the neonatal period, such as acute paronychia.ObjectiveThe aim of our prospective observational study was to describe the characteristics of NFPH in neonates born in a referral hospital in Buenos Aires.ResultsOne hundred patients were included. Most of them were male (60%). NFPH consists of hard, filiform elements, mostly present bilaterally in lateral nail folds. It was found in 46% of included patients. Prevalence was higher in the right hand. Due to a trend towards easy detachment and fracture, erosions were seen in several cases. Two cases of acute paronychia secondary to NFPH were diagnosed, with favorable outcomes after topical antibiotic treatment.ConclusionThe importance of clinical examination for screening of this local predisposing factor for infection in neonatal patients is highlighted.