Human Milk as Diaper Dermatitis Prevention in the NICU: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Dermatology
• Human milk applications

Background:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) infants have fragile skin, increasing susceptibility to diaper dermatitis (DD).
• Current preventive measures for DD in NICUs are inconsistent, with limited exploration of natural interventions.
• Human milk possesses immunoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting potential for topical DD prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic human milk application (breast milk on babies' bottoms - BoBB) in preventing diaper dermatitis among NICU infants.
• To assess the prevalence of diaper dermatitis following the use of BoBB compared to standard care.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post quasi-experimental design was employed in a Level III NICU.
• Infants over 34 weeks gestation with NICU stays exceeding 7 days were included.
• The study compared a group receiving prophylactic human milk application to the diaper area (BoBB) with a control group.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of diaper dermatitis was significantly lower in the BoBB group (25%) compared to the control group (53%).
• Infants in the BoBB group had lower gestational ages, birth weights, and longer NICU stays, suggesting efficacy even in more vulnerable infants.
• A total of 56 infants were analyzed (24 in BoBB group, 32 in control).

Conclusions:

• Prophylactic application of human milk (BoBB) appears to be a safe and effective strategy for preventing diaper dermatitis in NICU infants over 34 weeks gestation.
• This study suggests BoBB as a viable, natural alternative to conventional barrier creams.
• Further research is warranted to explore the full potential of human milk in neonatal skin care.