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Related Experiment Videos

Vernix caseosa in neonatal adaptation.

Marty O Visscher1, Vivek Narendran, William L Pickens

  • 1The Skin Sciences Institute, Division of Neonatology, Center for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|April 15, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Vernix caseosa, a natural newborn skin barrier, enhances hydration and lowers skin pH. Retaining vernix at birth supports these beneficial effects.

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Area of Science:

  • Neonatal dermatology
  • Infant skin physiology
  • Biochemistry of vernix caseosa

Background:

  • Vernix caseosa is a complex biological substance covering the skin of newborns.
  • Its precise roles in neonatal adaptation are not fully elucidated.
  • Understanding vernix properties is crucial for neonatal care practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively characterize vernix caseosa in newborn infants.
  • To investigate factors influencing vernix distribution and its effects on skin.
  • To assess vernix's impact on thermal stability, hydration, and acid mantle development.

Main Methods:

  • Vernix distribution analyzed in 430 infants.
  • Thermal stability assessed in vernix-retained vs. removed groups.

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  • Skin hydration, pH, and erythema measured with and without vernix.
  • Vitamin E antioxidant properties evaluated before and after UV exposure.

    • Main Results:

    • Vernix distribution varies with gestational age, delivery mode, gender, race, and meconium exposure.
    • Vernix retention significantly increased skin hydration and decreased skin pH and erythema.
    • No significant effect of vernix on axillary temperatures observed.
    • UV radiation reduced vitamin E levels in vernix samples.

    Conclusions:

    • Vernix caseosa acts as a natural barrier cream with multiple beneficial effects.
    • These findings support the practice of retaining vernix on newborn skin.
    • Vernix plays a vital role in protecting and maintaining infant skin health post-birth.