Skin

Expected findings

Skin reddish in color, smooth and puffy at birth
At 24 - 36 hours of age, skin flaky, dry and pink in color
Edema around eyes, feet, and genitals
Vernix caseosa
Lanugo
Turgor good with quick recoil
Hair silky and soft with individual strands
Nipples present and in expected locations
Cord with one vein and two arteries
Cord clamp tight and cord drying
Nails to end of fingers and often extend slightly beyond

Common variations

Acrocyanosis - result of sluggish peripheral circulation



Mongolian spots in infants of African-American descent


Mottling


Physiologic jaundice

Milia


Erythema toxicum


Petechiae/ bruises over presenting part
Skin tags usually around ears or digits (tied off)
Harlequin color change

Signs of potential distress or deviations from normal findings

Jaundice within 24 hours of birth
General cyanosis
Circumoral cyanosis between feedings
Petechiae or ecchymoses other than on presenting part
All rashes with exception of erythema toxicum
Pigmented nevi
Yellow vernix
Hemangioma
Pallor
Forceps marks