Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
06:27
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Neonatal skin and skin care
1Department of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Missouri, USA.
Dermatologic Clinics
|August 15, 1998
Summary
Infant skin is delicate and differs significantly from adult skin, increasing risks for newborns. Understanding infant skin development and implementing standardized neonatal nursery care can reduce complications and healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal dermatology
- Pediatric skin physiology
Background:
- Infant skin possesses unique structural and functional characteristics compared to adult skin.
- These differences heighten vulnerability to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, thermal dysregulation, and skin barrier disruption.
- Newborns face elevated risks of percutaneous absorption, infection, and toxicity from topical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the developmental biology of infant skin.
- To detail current skin care protocols employed in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- To advocate for improved understanding and standardization of neonatal skin care practices.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infant skin development.
- Analysis of existing neonatal nursery skin care guidelines.
- Synthesis of findings to inform best practices.
Main Results:
- Infant skin's immature barrier function increases susceptibility to damage and absorption.
- Current practices in neonatal nurseries vary, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes.
- Evidence supports specific emollients and cleansing techniques for preserving the neonatal skin barrier.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of infant skin physiology is crucial for neonatal care.
- Standardized, evidence-based skin care protocols in the NICU setting are essential.
- Optimizing neonatal skin care minimizes risks, reduces healthcare costs, and improves patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own EpiSCs...
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:22Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:27Acne Infection
Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...