Question

Near the end of the first week of life, an infant who has not been treated for any infection develops a copper-colored, maculopapular rash on the palms and around the mouth and anus. What is the newborn showing signs of?

Answer 1

The infant is showing signs of a neonatal infection, possibly neonatal herpes, fifth disease, or roseola, and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Step-by-step explanation:

An infant developing a copper-colored, maculopapular rash on the palms and around the mouth and anus, following initial cold-like symptoms and a high fever, is exhibiting signs of a neonatal infection. Based on the described symptoms, this could be indicative of neonatal herpes or another infectious disease such as fifth disease (caused by the parvovirus B19) or roseola (caused by human herpesvirus-6 or HHV-7). It is important for the infant to be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately to determine the exact cause and to initiate appropriate treatment.