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Postnatal maturation of skin barrier function in premature infants

V Kanti1, A Bonzel, A Stroux

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology
|July 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infant skin barrier development varies by body region. The diaper area shows impaired skin barrier function, unlike other regions, indicating delayed maturation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal dermatology
  • Infant skin physiology
  • Premature infant care

Background:

  • Skin barrier maturation in preterm infants exhibits significant regional differences.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for appropriate infant skincare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To longitudinally characterize postnatal skin barrier development in preterm infants.
  • To compare skin barrier maturation in covered, uncovered, and diapered regions.

Main Methods:

  • Measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), pH, and sebum.
  • Evaluated forehead, abdomen, thigh, and buttock in preterm infants (30-37 weeks GA) at 1-7 days and 2-7 weeks.
  • Maintained a standard minimal skin care regimen.

Main Results:

  • TEWL increased on the buttock but remained stable elsewhere.
  • SCH and sebum were stable across all regions with age.
  • Buttock pH increased, while other regions showed a decrease.
  • The buttock region exhibited significantly higher TEWL and SCH compared to other areas.

Conclusions:

  • Stable TEWL, SCH, and sebum suggest incomplete skin barrier maturation.
  • Decreasing skin pH indicates acid mantle formation.
  • Distinct skin barrier development in the diaper area suggests impaired function.
Abstract

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