Effect of standardized skin care regimens on neonatal skin barrier function in different body areas.
The effect of topical skin care products on neonatal skin barrier during first 8 weeks of life has not been scientifically evaluated. In a prospective, randomized clinical study, we compared the influence of three skin care regimens to bathing with water on skin barrier function in newborns at four anatomic sites. A total of 64 healthy, full-term neonates (32 boys and 32 girls) aged <48 hours were randomly assigned to four groups receiving twice-weekly: WG, bathing with wash gel (n = 16); C, bathing and cream (n = 16); WG + C, bathing with wash gel plus cream (n = 16); and B, bathing with water (n = 16). Transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, skin pH, sebum were measured on day 2, week 2, 4, 8 of life on front, abdomen, upper leg, and buttock. Skin condition was scored and microbiologic colonization was documented. After 8 weeks, group WG + C showed significantly lower transepidermal water loss on front, abdomen, and upper leg as well as higher stratum corneum hydration on front and abdomen compared with group B. Similarly, group C showed lower transepidermal water loss and higher stratum corneum hydration on these body regions. Group WG revealed significantly lower pH on all sites compared with group B at week 8. No differences in sebum level, microbiologic colonization and skin condition score were found. Skin care regimens did not harm physiologic neonatal skin barrier adaptation within the first 8 weeks of life. However, significant influence of skin care on barrier function was found in a regional specific fashion.
Garcia Bartels
Natalie
N
Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. natalie.garcia-bartels@charite.de
Scheufele
Ramona
R
Prosch
Franziska
F
Schink
Tania
T
Proquitté
Hans
H
Wauer
Roland R
RR
Blume-Peytavi
Ulrike
U
D000005:Abdomen; D001419:Bacteria; D001494:Baths; D004643:Emollients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism
D004643:Emollients; D014867:Water