文本框: SKIN CONDITIONS ENDEMIC TO THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION DIZON MV University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines Neonatal skin is a sterile system if the baby is delivered by Cesarean section. If born by vaginal route, the baby’s skin is predominantly colonized by S. epidermidis, the resident flora of the mother’s birth canal. The newborn then resembles an adult’s skin microbial flora after a few weeks. The skin has a synergistic coexistence with the cutaneous micorbial flora. These resident skin flora (Micrococcacaceae, Coryneform, Propionibacterium, Acinetobacter, and Pityrosporum) colonize the superficial epidermis which includes the surface of the stratum corneum or horny layer. Several factors can offset this normal colonization leading to infection. These could be host related, environmental or microbiological. The environment, especially hot and humid climates provide appropriate conditions to favor the development of Candidiasis and Tinea versicolor. Other social factors such as overcrowding, malnutrition and sanitation increase the risk for development of bacterial infection (Impetigo, Furunculosis), viral and parasitic infestation (especially Scabies). Although not commonly seen, cases of necrotizing fascilitis, congenital varicella and congenital staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome have been reported. Addressing these problems needs to be met from the grassroots level, i.e. government intervention to uplift the living conditions and provide basic needs of the community. The primary physician and pediatrician are in the frontline in meeting these cases. Prompt recognition and knowledge of appropriate medical management (both standard management and new therapeutic options) aborts the increasing morbidity and mortality in the neonatal age group.