What is a typical finding in a post-term infant’s skin condition?

A post-term infant, defined as one born after 42 weeks of gestation, typically exhibits skin that appears rough and leathery. This skin condition arises due to the prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid, leading to loss of the vernix caseosa, which protects the skin during gestation. As the infant remains in utero longer, the skin becomes desiccated and loses its moisture, resulting in a more textured and less elastic appearance.

Moist and oily skin is typically associated with younger newborns due to the presence of vernix and natural oils. A fair complexion is common in many infants, but it is not specifically characteristic of post-term infants. Redness in the skin can occur in many newborns due to various factors, but it is not a definitive feature of post-term infants specifically.