The skin is the largest organ in the body. It also serves as the first barrier for protection of the body against any form of invaders.
Functions of the skin
The skin serves many important functions:
- Acts as a barrier
- Protects against sunlight damage
- Helps to maintain the body temperature
- Mounts immune surveillance
- Involved in synthesis of hormones
- Modulates insensible water loss
- Sensory perception
The skin of the newborn must be cared and protected , as it is extremely delicate and can be easily damaged by strong pressure, cleansing agents and changes in ambient temperature.
Bathing the newborn
DO not bathe immediately after birth. Vernix caseosa- the white , snowy covering on the skin is protective. First bath can be given after 3-4 days of life, after the infant’s body temperature has stabilised.
The bath should last not more than 5 minutes, as prolonged bath increases the body dehydration.
For the initial bath use sterile/ potable water.
Soaps and cleansers can be avoided during the first few weeks of life.
Bathe the baby in a warm room and dry quickly and thoroghly from head to toe aand wrap in a warm towel and place next to the mother.
Use of cleansing agents
Cleansing the skin surface is essential to remove the dead cells, bacteria, dirt, sweat and debris. However, the newborn skin is more sensitive to cleansers. Ideally the cleansers for the newborn skin should not contain fragrances and color to minimise irritation. Soaps and detergents that cause much lathering and foaming cause more damage and dryness as the skin lipid layer is removed easily.
Synthetic detergents called syndets are soap substitutes which have a p H that is closer to that of the infant’s skin. These are less irritating , do not interfere with the normal skin flora but may cause drying of the skin, unless it is followed up with use of hydrating moisturisers.
Use of baby powders
Baby powders are not recommended during infancy, although they help to absorb the sweat and keep the skin dry.
The use of baby powders can cause blockage of the sweat duct, as well as the occurrence of miliaria. Accidental inhalation of the baby powder is another avoidable hazard.