Alteration of skin condition in newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care: a concept analysis

Abstract

Objectives: to analyze the concept of alteration of skin condition in newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Methods: this is a concept analysis operationalized by scoping review. The search was conducted in three parts: the first, in sources like Scopus and Web of Science; the second, in Google Scholar®; and the third, through a parallel list of references.

Results: according to the types of skin, the most frequent alterations were erythema/redness and pressure injuries. The concept analysis was more evident in the attribute "skin lesions or alterations" than the others. The most frequent antecedents were gestational age, birth weight, and factors related to hospitalization. Among the consequences stood out infection/sepsis.

Conclusions: this study allows improving the vision of health professionals regarding alterations in skin condition of neonates and, therefore, may contribute to a safe and systematized nursing practice.