Barrier properties of vernix caseosa.
Experiments are described which show that vernix caseosa has a mechanical barrier effect if it is deposited in an unbroken layer. Specific antibacterial properties were not detected in vernix. It is suggested that vernix is best left on a newborn infant because of its mechanical obstruction to bacterial passage.
D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000254:growth & development; D014708:Vernix Caseosa / Q000382:microbiology / Q000502:physiology*