In this video, learn about the different layers of the skin and why it is important to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
An infant’s skin is one of the primary defenses against the external environment, providing protection from chemical, biological, and physical stimuli. It is also important for regulating body temperature, transepidermal water loss, and keeping essential nutrients inside the body.
Healthy infants have competent skin at birth, although, their skin continues to develop post-birth throughout the first year of life. Preterm infants have compromised, underdeveloped skin, requiring specialized care practices.
This video highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy skin barrier as a critical part of overall infant health and development.
- Kalia Y, Nonato L, Lund C, Guy, R. Development of skin barrier function in premature infants. J. Invest. Dermatol. 1998; 111: 320–326.
- Eichenfield L, Hardaway C. Neonatal dermatology. Curr. Opin. Pediatr. 1999; 11: 471–474.
- Evans NJ, Rutter N. Development of the epidermis in the newborn. Biol Neonate. 1986; 49(2):74-80.
- Cartlidge P. The epidermal barrier. Semin Neonatol. 2000 Nov; 5(4):273-80.
- Hoath S, Maibach H. Neonatal skin: structure and function. 2nd ed. Marcel Dekker Inc.; 2003.
- Lund C, Kuller J, Lane A, Lott JW, Raines DA. Neonatal skin care: the scientific basis for practice. Neonatal Netw. 1999; 18(4): 15-27.
- Hoeger PH, Enzmann CC. Skin physiology of the neonate and young infant: a prospective study of functional skin parameters during early infancy. Pediatr Dermatol. 2002; 19(3): 256-262.