Transient neonatal pustular melanosis may occur on any part of the newborn's body. Typical locations are the forehead, chin, behind ears, neck, and back. Palms and soles may even be affected. No one knows the cause of transient neonatal pustular melanosis.

What does pustular melanosis look like?

Transient neonatal pustular melanosis, a benign idiopathic skin condition mainly seen in newborns with skin of color, has distinctive features characterized by vesicles, superficial pustules, and pigmented macules. The lesions of transient neonatal pustular melanosis are present at birth.

When does pustular melanosis start?

It is the most common transient rash in healthy neonate, which is a benign, self-limiting, physiological rash affecting about 50% of term newborn. It is rarely seen in preterm infants. They usually begin at 1 to 2 days of age, but may occur at any time until about the fourth day.