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Influence of sunflower seed oil on the skin barrier function of preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial
Varvara Kanti1, Claudia Grande, Andrea Stroux
1Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Insights
Sunflower seed oil (SSO) application may hinder skin barrier maturation in preterm infants. Further research is needed to understand its long-term effects on infant skin development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal dermatology
- Infant skin care
- Dermatological research
Background:
- Inadequate skin care in preterm infants is linked to increased morbidity.
- Limited research exists on skin care practices promoting skin maturation in premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sunflower seed oil (SSO) on the skin barrier development of low-birth-weight premature infants.
Main Methods:
- 22 preterm infants (1,500-2,500g) were randomized into control and SSO groups.
- Daily SSO application for the first 10 postnatal days, followed by no intervention.
- Measurements included transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin pH, and sebum.
Main Results:
- SSO group showed increased TEWL on abdomen, leg, and buttock until day 11.
- Abdomen SCH continuously decreased in the SSO group until day 21.
- Skin pH decreased, and sebum remained stable in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Sunflower seed oil application may impede postnatal skin barrier maturation in preterm infants.
- Findings suggest caution when using SSO for preterm infant skin care.
Background:
Inadequate skin care may increase morbidity in preterm infants. Skin care practices that support skin maturation have barely been investigated.
Objectives:
To investigate the effect of sunflower seed oil (SSO) on skin barrier development in low-birth-weight premature infants.
Methods:
22 preterm infants (<48 h after birth, 1,500-2,500 g) were randomized into group C (control) and group SSO, receiving daily SSO application during the first 10 postnatal days, followed by no intervention. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin pH and sebum were measured <48 h after birth and on postnatal days 5, 11 and 21 on the forehead, abdomen, thigh and buttock.
Results:
Skin pH decreased, while sebum remained stable in both groups. In group C, TEWL remained stable; in group SSO, TEWL increased significantly on the abdomen, leg and buttock until day 11, followed by a decrease after SSO application had been stopped. Abdomen SCH remained stable in group C, but continuously decreased in group SSO until day 21.
Conclusion:
SSO application may retard postnatal skin barrier maturation in preterm infants.
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