title: Vernix caseosa in neonatal adaptation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To characterize vernix caseosa in newborn infants with respect to factors that influence vernix distribution on the skin surface, vernix effects on thermal stability, skin hydration, acid mantle development, and vernix antioxidant properties.
  
  
  METHODS
  Vernix distribution was determined for 430 infants. Thermal stability was assessed in parallel groups following vernix retention (n=66) and removal (n=64). The effects of vernix retention on skin hydration, pH, erythema, and dryness/scaling were determined. Samples were analyzed for vitamin E before and after UV exposure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Vernix distribution depended upon gestational age, delivery mode, gender, race, and meconium exposure. Retention had no effect on axillary temperatures. Skin hydration was significantly higher for vernix-retained skin. Skin pH and erythema were significantly lower with retention. Vitamin E levels were decreased by ultraviolet radiation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vernix is a naturally occurring barrier cream with multiple salubrious effects, which support its retention on the skin surface at birth.
authors.affiliation: The Skin Sciences Institute, Division of Neonatology, Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
authors.forename: Marty O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Visscher
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Narendran
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Pickens
authors.forename: Angela A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: LaRuffa
authors.forename: Jareen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meinzen-Derr
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Steven B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Hoath
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization / Q000502:physiology*; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013499:Surface Properties; D014708:Vernix Caseosa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D014810:Vitamin E