Explaining a neonatal pustular eruption and giving a safety-net — OSCE

Candidate instructions (8-minute station)

You are the paediatric registrar on the postnatal ward. A midwife has asked you to review a two-day-old term neonate who has developed scattered pale-yellow pustules on an erythematous base across the trunk and proximal limbs over the last few hours. The baby is feeding well, is afebrile, pink and warm, and behaves normally. The palms and soles are spared. The parents are very anxious that the baby has a serious infection and have asked to speak with a doctor. [2]

Your tasks are: [1]

1. Take a brief, focused history and confirm the wellness of the baby.
2. Explain the likely diagnosis and why no tests or treatment are needed.
3. Give a clear, specific safety-net.
4. Show the examiner you can recognise the features that would demand escalation. [1]

You have eight minutes. The examiner may ask you to explain your reasoning. [1]