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Skin Barrier Function in Infants: Update and Outlook
Annisa Rahma1,2, Majella E Lane2
1Pharmaceutics Department, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung 40132, Indonesia.
Insights
Infant skin barrier develops over time, but diapers and wipes can impair it. Further research into dermal absorption is needed, especially with new non-invasive methods.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Neonatal Care
- Pediatric Skin Health
Background:
- Infant skin barrier function undergoes significant development post-birth, maturing to adult-like properties by age two.
- Factors like diaper use and baby wipes can compromise the infant skin barrier, leading to altered permeability.
- Limited data exists on the dermal absorption of ingredients in baby wipes and topical treatments for infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of infant skin barrier function.
- To identify risk factors affecting infant skin health, particularly related to diapering and wipe usage.
- To highlight knowledge gaps and ethical considerations in studying infant skin permeation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on infant skin barrier development and external influences.
- Analysis of existing research on diaper occlusion and baby wipe composition.
- Discussion of ethical challenges and emerging non-invasive methodologies for infant skin studies.
Main Results:
- Infant skin barrier is immature at birth and susceptible to damage from occlusive environments like diapers.
- The occlusive nature of diapers can lead to over-hydration and increased vulnerability of infant skin.
- There is a lack of published data on dermal absorption of common baby wipe ingredients and topical treatments in infants.
Conclusions:
- Optimal management of infant skin requires a thorough understanding of its barrier properties.
- Diaper use and baby wipes present specific risks to infant skin barrier integrity.
- Advancements in non-invasive techniques offer promising avenues for future research into infant dermal absorption and safety.
Abstract:
A good understanding of infant skin should provide a rationale for optimum management of the health of this integument. In this review, we discuss the skin barrier function of infants, particularly with reference to the use of diapers and baby wipes. The skin barrier of newborns continues to develop with age. Two years after birth, the barrier properties of infant skin closely resemble those of adult skin. However, several risk factors may contribute to impaired skin barrier and altered skin permeability in infants. Problems may arise from the use of diapers and baby wipes. The skin covered by a diaper is effectively an occluded environment, and thus is vulnerable to over-hydration. To date there has been no published information regarding dermal absorption of ingredients contained in baby wipes. Similarly, dermal absorption of topical ingredients in infants with underlying skin conditions has not been widely explored. Clearly, there are serious ethical concerns related to conducting skin permeation studies on infant skin. However, the increasing availability of non-invasive methods for in vivo studies is encouraging and offers new directions for studying this important patient group.
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