Skin infection ( Pemphigus Neonatorum )

Subject: Midwifery III (Theory)

Overview

Pemphigus neonatorum is a bullous skin eruption produced primarily by Staphylococcus aureus. Infection is spread by an unsanitary environment and cross infection. In the moderate form, superficial pustules, single or scattered, appear on the face, axilla, or scalp. The carriers or sources of infection must be identified, and necessary actions must be implemented. The blisters are pricked with a sterile needle, and once the dead skin is removed, the region is covered with antibiotic ointment or painted with an antiseptic solution. When blisters occur on the palms, soles, or trunk, pemphigus may be caused by congenital syphilis. Other signs of congenital syphilis are present, and therapy is given in accordance with syphilis.

Pemphigus neonatorum is a bullous eruption of the skin caused primarily by Staphylococcus aureus. The source of infection is an unsanitary environment and cross infection.

Sign and symptoms

In mild form: On the face, axilla, or scalp, solitary or scattered superficial pustules occur. Following the application of antibiotic ointment or painting with 1 percent gentian violet in spirit, a rapid cure ensues.

Pemphigus neonatorum

A superficial blister can occur anywhere on the skin, develop into pustules, and eventually explode.
The raw region that was left behind may have become infected later.
Typically related to chronic sickness.

Prevention

A baby bath should be administered within 24 hours of delivery.
The affected babies will be housed in a separate nursery.
The carriers or sources of infection must be identified and necessary actions must be implemented.

Treatment

The infant will be placed in seclusion.
The blisters are pricked with a sterile needle, and once the dead skin is removed, the region is covered with antibiotic ointment or painted with an antiseptic solution.
In severe disease, systemic injection of either erythromycin 25mg/kg per day or cloxacillin 50 mg/kg per day in 3-4 split doses.

When blisters occur on the palms, soles, or trunk, it may be related to congenital syphilis. Other characteristics of congenital syphilis are present, and therapy is given in accordance with syphilis.

Things to remember

Pemphigus neonatorum is a bullous eruption of the skin caused primarily by Staphylococcus aureus.
The source of infection is an unsanitary environment and cross infection.
In the moderate type, single or scattered superficial pustules appear on the face, axilla, or scalp.
Following the application of antibiotic ointment or painting with 1 percent gentian violent in spirit, a rapid cure ensues.
The carriers or sources of infection must be identified and necessary actions must be implemented.
The blisters are pricked with a sterile needle, and once the dead skin is removed, the region is covered with antibiotic ointment or painted with an antiseptic solution.
In severe disease, systemic injection of either erythromycin 25mg/kg per day or cloxacillin 50 mg/kg per day in 3-4 split doses.
When blisters occur on the palms, soles, or trunk, it may be related to congenital syphilis.
Other characteristics of congenital syphilis are present, and therapy is given in accordance with the syphilis.

Questions and Answers

Define Pemphigus neonatorum ?

Staphylococcus aureus is the main culprit behind the bullous skin eruption known as pemphigus neonatorum. Cross infection and unhygienic conditions are the causes of infection.

What are the Treatment of pemphigus neonatorum ?

The infant must be kept apart.
A sterile needle is used to puncture the blisters, and when the dead skin is removed, the region is covered in antibiotic ointment or painted with an antiseptic solution.
In cases of severe sickness, either erythromycin 25 mg/kg per day or cloxacillin 50 mg/kg per day in three to four separate doses should be administered systemically.