Mar 16, 2016

Skin is the largest organ in the human body with functions such as protective barrier function, functions thermoregulation ,UV protection , protection of invasion of microbes and external antigens and repair and regeneration of wounds ,synthesis of nutrients, immunological function and sensory autonomic functions.Skin in the neonate is not the miniature of the adult skin.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ADULT AND TERM OR PRETERM SKIN-

• The skin of the newborn is 20 to 30% thinner than the adult skin.
• New born skin is less hydrated and has reduced natural moisturization factor compared to adult.
• Ration of body surface area to weight of a term neonate is up to 5 times that of preterm is 7 times that of an adult.
• Stratum corneum of preterm baby in thinner than that of a term baby.
• At birth pH of newborn skin is slightly acidic whereas the adult skin has acidic pH from 5 to 5.5. Alakline pH predisposes to diaper dermatitis and favours coloniztion of staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans.

CARE OF THE NEW BORN SKIN-

• Gentle cleansing.
• Maintenance of hydration and maceration in the body flod.
• Protection from irritants.

Categories: General

Tags: Child