Knotted lanugo in a newborn: Cultural practices revealed

Pediatr Dermatol. 2024 Jan-Feb;41(1):164-165. doi: 10.1111/pde.15490. Epub 2023 Dec 10.

Abstract

Across the world, there are varied cultural practices applied in the newborn period that pediatric dermatologists need to be familiar with. This report details a 9-day-old girl who presented with black, spike-like hairs across the back after her mother had been rubbing breast milk on her back in a circular motion for the first 7 days of life. On dermatoscopic exam, these lesions were found to be tight bundles of lanugo hairs, consistent with a diagnosis of knotted lanugo. Improved understanding of cultural practices and newborn skin care routines is critical for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling.

Keywords: culture; dermoscopy; hair; lanugo; neonates.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dermoscopy
  • Female
  • Hair* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mothers
  • Skin Care
  • Skin*