24.7 Skin Care

The Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for neonatal skin care, including newborn skin condition Scale (NSCS), has been validated by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN ) and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (Nann). In the guidelines, the use of emollients is recommended for infants less than 32 weeks during the first 2-4 weeks. For infants under 30 weeks, the use of gestational age emollient is recommended to reduce excessive water loss Transepidermal (e-BAP).

Over a period spanning three decades, treatment of newborns has radically changed and new guidelines highlight that growth and development. However, the field of skin care is lagging behind. One concern that remains is the question of the effects of toxic ingredients in products like water-based preservatives and perfumes. If it is possible that they may be toxic, this article will present evidence that the current products of skin care that contain petrolatum and lanolin may be more toxic and potentially dangerous. In addition, using a product that is not preserved, but occlusive, may actually allow micro-organisms in colony forming units to multiply, which yield systemic implications. The aim of this paper is to continue to clarify these issues and provide a better understanding and discussion.



The skin is the largest organ of the body and provides protection between the body and its environment. In term infants, there may be issues related to skin breakdown and infection, the stratum corneum is fully developed and protects the newborn. In contrast, skin and skin barrier of preterm infants is not fully developed.



The skin of preterm infants account for approximately thirteen (13) percent of his body weight. This compares to three (3) percent of body weight for adult skin. The body weight to skin ratio is four (4) times greater in the newborn compared to adult. As specifically related to skin care, these characteristics in the call of the skin newborn into account:

aec Fluid imbalances

aec Percutaneous absorption of toxins

aec tissue injury

aec Infection

The structure of adult skin is understood, while the embryonic skin and the newborn is not fully appreciated. Development of the skin in the uterus is complex and still under investigation. In utero, the skin undergoes a two-dimensional growth to cover the surface of the embryo and fetus development. newborn premature skin has not been a fully developed epidermal epidermis and dermis.

In the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) selection of products from skin care is carefully examined. With the risks described above, the greatest care must be taken to ensure the welfare of the newborn in the first hours and days of life. Skin care is one of the most important areas of care for these infants at risk. Currently, Nann and AWHONN recommended Aquaphor?, A product based on Vaseline skin care newborn emollient.

In earlier work at Stanford University, it was concluded that the therapy emollient moisturizing cream preterm infants decreases dermatitis without changing the microbial flora. An emollient is an agent that softens or soothes the skin. This definition is important because, as the standard of care in NICUs has changed during the last three decades, the selection of emollients has changed in the pharmaceutical industry.

excipients in silicone technology have moved the high Vaseline as companies sought ways to improve adherence to treatment plots to poor aesthetics associated with petrolatum-based formulations. Silicones are not new to the pH.