Lanugo hair is mostly found on which part of the newborn?

Explanation

Core Concept: Lanugo is the fine, soft, unpigmented downy hair that covers the fetus and newborn. It is most prominent on the back, shoulders, and sometimes the forehead and ears. It typically sheds in utero or within the first few weeks of life and is replaced by vellus hair.

Clinical Presentation:

• Fine, downy hair visible on the newborn's back, shoulders, and face.
• More prominent and persistent in premature infants.

Diagnosis:

• First-line diagnostic plan: Visual inspection during the initial newborn physical assessment.
• Most accurate assessment: Clinical observation; no specific diagnostic test is needed as it is a normal physiological finding.

Management:

• Acute management: Reassure parents that lanugo is completely normal and will naturally shed over the coming weeks. No removal or treatment is necessary.
• Gold standard long-term management: Routine newborn skin care and monitoring of normal developmental milestones.