ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Skin care influences skin barrier function during the first postnatal weeks. Although the use of natural oils in preterms has been investigated, there are currently no data comparing the effect of sunflower oil to an emollient on barrier development in healthy term newborns. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized clinical study, 50 healthy full-term newborns aged ≤72 h were randomly assigned to two groups: group baby lotion (L, n=22) and sunflower seed oil (SSO, n=24). The skin barrier function was evaluated in three anatomical areas (front, abdomen, and thigh) by noninvasive assessment of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), sebum, and skin pH at inclusion and after five weeks. RESULTS: In both groups, skin pH decreased and SCH increased statistically significantly in all measured areas at W5 compared to baseline. TEWL decreased statistically significantly on the forearm in both groups, on the upper leg in group L, and on the abdomen in group SSO. CONCLUSIONS: Both skin care regimes did not harm skin barrier function adaptation in healthy term neonates during the first five weeks of life.
Subject(s)
Emollients/pharmacology , Epidermis/physiology , Skin Physiological Phenomena/drug effects , Sunflower Oil/pharmacology , Abdomen , Administration, Cutaneous , Epidermis/chemistry , Epidermis/metabolism , Female , Forearm , Humans , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration/drug effects , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies , Sebum/metabolism , Thigh , Water/metabolism , Water Loss, Insensible/drug effectsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Inadequate skin care may increase morbidity in preterm infants. Skin care practices that support skin maturation have barely been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of sunflower seed oil (SSO) on skin barrier development in low-birth-weight premature infants. METHODS: 22 preterm infants (<48 h after birth, 1,500-2,500 g) were randomized into group C (control) and group SSO, receiving daily SSO application during the first 10 postnatal days, followed by no intervention. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), skin pH and sebum were measured <48 h after birth and on postnatal days 5, 11 and 21 on the forehead, abdomen, thigh and buttock. RESULTS: Skin pH decreased, while sebum remained stable in both groups. In group C, TEWL remained stable; in group SSO, TEWL increased significantly on the abdomen, leg and buttock until day 11, followed by a decrease after SSO application had been stopped. Abdomen SCH remained stable in group C, but continuously decreased in group SSO until day 21. CONCLUSION: SSO application may retard postnatal skin barrier maturation in preterm infants.
Subject(s)
Infant, Premature/physiology , Plant Oils/administration & dosage , Skin Absorption/drug effects , Skin Care/methods , Skin Physiological Phenomena/drug effects , Water Loss, Insensible/drug effects , Administration, Topical , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Germany , Gestational Age , Hospitals, University , Humans , Infant, Low Birth Weight , Infant, Newborn , Male , Prospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Statistics, Nonparametric , Sunflower Oil , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dry skin reflects a skin barrier defect which can lead to atopic dermatitis. Little is known about the distinct effects of emollient use in children with dry skin and atopic predisposition. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of daily application of pressed ice plant juice (PIPJ)-based emollients and petrolatum-based emollients. METHODS: Children aged 2-6 years with dry skin and atopic predisposition were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 received emollients containing PIPJ and natural lipids, while group 2 received petrolatum-based emollients. Skin condition and biophysical properties of the skin barrier were assessed at inclusion and weeks 4, 12 and 16. RESULTS: Skin condition improved significantly in all children. Comparing the groups, children treated with emollients containing PIPJ showed significantly higher stratum corneum hydration values and significantly lower transepidermal water loss values at week 16 on the forearm and forehead. A significant decrease in skin pH was noted in group 2 on the forearm and forehead; group 1 showed a stable course. CONCLUSION: Early intervention with emollients in children with dry skin condition and atopic predisposition may improve their skin condition during daily emollient application. PIPJ-based formulations may be helpful to maintain skin barrier integrity.