ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Esperienze Dermatologiche 2022 March;24(1):4-9

DOI: 10.23736/S1128-9155.22.00533-7

Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Infant skin quality

Kristina JANOUŠKOVÁ ✉, Vladimir RESL

Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Care Studies, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czech Republic

BACKGROUND: The quality of an infant’s skin can be affected by various factors. Nappy rash (also called diaper dermatitis) is themost common skin damage in infancy. It often occurs in connection with the use of either disposable or cloth diapers. Skin quality may vary in different parts of the body due to influencing factors. The aim of this study was to find out if there was a difference in the quality of the skin of infants on the forearm and in the perianal area.
METHODS: The method of quantitative research using a cross-sectional study was used. The diagnostic device MULTI SKIN CENTER MC 1000 (Courage+Khazaka electronic GmbH) was used for the research. Measurement of sebum, moisture, skin temperature and TEWL was performed. The research subjects were infants under 1 year.
RESULTS: Based on the measured values, a significant difference was found in all monitored parameters except sebum, and the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values were higher in the forearm compared to the perianal region. Skin moisture was lower on the forearm compared to the perianal area. Skin temperature was lower on the forearm compared to perianal measurements. The values of sebum were the same on the forearm and in the perianal area.
CONCLUSIONS: Infant skin is unique. Its quality is affected by many factors. As infant skin is constantly evolving, it is important that skin care products, diapers or barrier creams used be appropriately selected and do not affect the quality of the skin.

KEY WORDS: Infant; Skin; Sebum; Skin temperature; Diaper rash