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Topical Oil Application and Trans-Epidermal Water Loss in Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants-A Randomized Trial

Sushma Nangia1, Vinod Kumar Paul2, Ashok Kumar Deorari2

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Kalawati Saran Children's Hospital, New Delhi 110001, India drsnangia@gmail.com.

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|September 5, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Topical coconut oil significantly reduced trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) in preterm neonates. This safe and effective emollient also improved skin condition and reduced bacterial growth.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal dermatology
  • Infant skin care
  • Dermatological research

Background:

  • Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) is a critical concern in preterm neonates, impacting skin barrier function.
  • Traditional infant massage practices in India often involve coconut oil, but its efficacy in reducing TEWL has not been scientifically evaluated.
  • Limited research exists on the specific benefits of topical emollients, like coconut oil, for improving skin barrier function in vulnerable infant populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of topical coconut oil application in reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates.
  • To assess the impact of coconut oil on bacterial growth and overall skin condition in VLBW neonates.
  • To determine if coconut oil application poses any risk of increased skin colonization in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 74 very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates, randomized at 12 hours of age.
  • The intervention group received twice-daily topical coconut oil application, while the control group received standard care.
  • Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured every 12 hours until Day 7, alongside assessments of skin condition and bacterial growth via skin swabs.

Main Results:

  • Coconut oil application significantly reduced TEWL in VLBW neonates compared to the control group (mean difference: -6.80 g/m²/h, p < 0.01).
  • Neonates treated with coconut oil exhibited improved skin condition and significantly lower bacterial growth (20% vs. 60%, p < 0.01).
  • Baseline characteristics including birth weight and gestational age were comparable between the coconut oil and control groups.

Conclusions:

  • Topical application of coconut oil is an effective method for reducing TEWL in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates.
  • Coconut oil application improves skin condition and reduces bacterial colonization without adverse effects in preterm infants.
  • This study supports the use of coconut oil as a safe and beneficial emollient for VLBW neonates, aligning with traditional practices.
Abstract

Keywords:
coconut oilneonateprematurityskin conditioning scoretrans-epidermal water lossvery low birth weight

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