Evidence-Based Consensus Recommendations for Skin Care in Healthy, Full-Term Neonates in India.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal dermatology
• Evidence-based medicine
• Pediatric nursing

Background:

• Neonatal skin care practices vary significantly between hospitals.
• Lack of standardized protocols can impact infant skin health.
• Personal experience often dictates current practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence-based clinical practice guidance for neonatal skin care.
• To standardize skin care protocols from delivery to discharge in hospital settings.
• To establish consensus recommendations for healthcare practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Convened a Scientific Advisory Board with multidisciplinary experts.
• Conducted a comprehensive literature search up to March 2021.
• Developed recommendations on key neonatal skin care aspects.

Main Results:

• Recommendations cover cleansing, skin-to-skin care, cord care, bathing, and product use.
• First bath recommended 6-24 hours post-stabilization; water or mild cleansers are suitable.
• Emollients recommended for eczema prevention; skin assessment and discharge advice are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Standardized, evidence-based neonatal skin care can improve care quality.
• Recommendations aim to enhance overall neonatal health outcomes in Indian hospitals.
• Highlighted the need for quality control and transparent labeling of baby products.