A paediatrician's view of the newborn baby and its epidermis

Abstract

Almost all babies born in the United Kingdom are born in hospital and with the continuing improvements in neonatal care more survive than ever before, particularly those of very low birth weight. The use of the manipulative and invasive procedures so necessary to monitor and assist their healthy development often result, however, in skin problems arising from intolerance of adhesives, perforating wounds, cleansing solutions, etc. In the older newborn infant, the main skin problems of the anal and neck regions, in particular, are usually associated with artificial milk feeding and inadequate drying of the skin. Many of the skin rashes seen in the newborn, although worrying, are of no consequence, but all those which are petechial or due to microbial infection require prompt investigation and adequate treatment. Despite the advances of recent years, there is still need for further research into procedures and products to ensure that the infant's protective yet delicate covering is disturbed as little as possible and kept in a healthy condition.