Newborn Skin: Delicate, Developing, and Needing Special Care

Clinical Implications and Care Considerations

Increased Susceptibility to Infections and Sepsis

Newborn skin, particularly in premature infants, presents a significant challenge when it comes to infection control. The immature nature of their skin’s barrier function makes them far more susceptible to infections and sepsis compared to older children and adults.

A. Impaired Barrier Function

The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, plays a crucial role in forming a barrier against the external environment. In newborns, this layer is thinner and less developed, with fewer cell attachments, making it easier for pathogens to penetrate the skin. This vulnerability is even more pronounced in preterm infants whose skin barrier is significantly underdeveloped, increasing their risk of infections.

B. Lower Levels of Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs)

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential components of the skin’s innate immune system, providing a first line of defense against invading microbes. Newborn skin has lower levels of AMPs compared to adults, further compromising their ability to fight off infections. Additionally, the skin microbiome, which also plays a role in immune defense, is still developing in newborns, contributing to their susceptibility to infections.

Fragility and Damage

The delicate nature of newborn skin makes it prone to damage from various sources. Extra care must be taken when using adhesives, and precautions are necessary to prevent burns, as their skin reacts differently compared to adults.

A. Adhesives

Adhesives used in medical tapes and dressings can pose a risk to newborn skin, especially in preterm infants. Upon removal, adhesives can cause epidermal stripping, where the top layer of skin is peeled away, disrupting the barrier function and leaving the skin vulnerable to infections and further damage. To minimize this risk, it’s recommended to use preventative liquid barrier films on the skin before applying adhesive dressings. Additionally, opting for atraumatic dressings, such as soft silicone or hydrocolloid dressings, allows for easier removal without causing further harm to the skin.

B. Thermal and Chemical Burns

Newborns, and particularly preterm infants, are at a higher risk of sustaining burns from thermal or chemical sources. Due to their thinner skin, what might cause a superficial burn in an older child can result in a full-thickness burn in a newborn. This difference in severity necessitates heightened awareness and precaution when it comes to potential burn hazards in neonatal care settings.

High Permeability to Topical Agents

The immature nature of newborn skin presents a unique challenge when it comes to the use of topical agents. Their skin’s increased permeability allows for greater absorption of substances, leading to a higher risk of systemic toxicity.

A. Increased Absorption

Compared to adults, newborns have a significantly higher rate of absorption for topically applied substances. This is due to the underdeveloped stratum corneum, which allows medications and chemicals to pass through the skin barrier more easily and enter the bloodstream. This heightened absorption poses a risk of systemic toxicity, where the absorbed substance can reach toxic levels and cause adverse effects throughout the body.

B. Immature Detoxification System

Adding to the risk of toxicity, preterm newborns lack a fully developed detoxification system in their skin. In adults, the skin plays a role in metabolizing and detoxifying substances through various enzymes, reducing their potential harm. However, preterm infants have limited enzymatic activity, meaning that absorbed substances are not effectively processed before entering the bloodstream, further increasing the risk of systemic toxicity.

Examples of Topical Agent Risks:

• Iodine Solutions: Topical iodine used as an antiseptic can lead to iodine overload and transient hypothyroidism in newborns, especially those born prematurely.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: While newborn skin is relatively resistant to isopropyl alcohol, repeated use can still cause systemic intoxication and even severe skin necrosis in preterm infants.
• Aniline Dyes: Aniline dyes, previously used in diaper markings, have been linked to methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder, due to skin absorption.

Importance of Careful Selection and Use:

Due to the heightened risks associated with topical agents in newborns, careful selection and cautious use are crucial. Healthcare providers must consider the potential for systemic absorption and toxicity when choosing topical treatments, opting for alternatives whenever possible. Additionally, limiting the frequency and duration of application can help minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Thermoregulation Challenges

Newborns, especially those born prematurely, face significant challenges in maintaining a stable body temperature. Their unique physiological characteristics make them highly susceptible to heat loss, requiring careful attention and specific care practices.

A. High Risk of Heat Loss

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of heat loss in newborns:

• Large Surface Area to Body Mass Ratio: Newborns have a proportionally larger surface area compared to their body mass, which means they have more skin exposed to the environment, leading to greater heat loss through radiation and convection.
• High Thermal Conductance: Newborn skin is thinner and has less subcutaneous fat compared to adults, resulting in higher thermal conductance. This means they lose heat more rapidly to the surrounding environment.
• Limited Ability to Shiver: Newborns have a limited ability to shiver, which is a key mechanism for generating heat in adults. This further hinders their ability to regulate their body temperature.

B. Care Practices to Prevent Heat Loss

Given the challenges newborns face in maintaining body temperature, specific care practices are essential to prevent heat loss and potential complications such as hypothermia:

• Drying newborns in a thermoneutral environment: Immediately after birth, it’s crucial to thoroughly dry the newborn and place them in a warm environment, such as an incubator or under a radiant warmer, to prevent a rapid drop in body temperature. This is particularly important for low birth weight and preterm infants who are more susceptible to heat loss.
• Delaying the initial bath: Bathing a newborn within the first hour after birth can significantly increase the risk of hypothermia, even when using warm water. Delaying the bath for several hours allows the newborn to stabilize their temperature and reduces the risk of heat loss.
• Avoiding vigorous rubbing during bathing: Rubbing the newborn’s skin during a bath can further contribute to heat loss. Gentle washing and patting dry are recommended to minimize heat loss during bathing.

Skincare Recommendations

Caring for newborn skin requires a gentle approach and specific considerations to ensure proper development and protection of their delicate barrier function.

A. Cleansing

• pH-Neutral or Mildly Acidic Cleansers: It’s recommended to use liquid cleansers that are pH-neutral or mildly acidic, as these are less likely to disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance. Harsh soaps and detergents should be avoided, as they can strip away the skin’s natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation.
• Liquid Cleansers Preferred: Liquid cleansers are generally preferred over bar soaps, as they are often formulated with added emollients and are less drying to the skin.

B. Emollients

• Importance of Moisturizing: Regular use of emollients, which are moisturizing creams or lotions, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and supporting the barrier function. Emollients help to replenish the skin’s natural oils, prevent excessive water loss, and protect against dryness and irritation.
• Potential Benefits for Atopic Dermatitis Prevention: Studies have suggested that regular application of emollients from birth may help prevent the development of atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin, in infants at high risk.

C. Specific Considerations for Preterm Infants

• Balancing Benefits and Risks: The use of emollients in preterm infants requires careful consideration, as some studies have raised concerns about a potential increased risk of infections associated with certain types of emollients. Healthcare providers must weigh the potential benefits of skin barrier protection against the possible risk of infection.
• Alternative Options: In cases where the risk of infection is a concern, alternative options like sunflower seed oil can be considered. Sunflower seed oil has been shown to be effective in protecting the skin barrier and improving hydration without increasing the risk of infections compared to some other emollients.

By following these skincare recommendations and taking into account the unique needs of newborns and preterm infants, parents and healthcare providers can help ensure optimal skin health and development, minimizing the risk of complications and promoting overall well-being.