Pustular eruptions in a neonate are mostly benign, but several are serious and have infectious aetiology. A detailed history, complete physical examination and careful assessment of the lesions are essential for diagnosis. The need to investigate every neonate with pustules for an infectious aetiology is emphasized. This case of generalised pustulosis in a neonate is reported as it is an uncommon presentation of Staphylococcus aureus infection, diagnostic difficulty caused by atypical skin lesions and similarity of clinical features with other causes of neonatal pustular diseases.