OBJECTIVES:To characterize vernix caseosa in newborn infants with respect to factors that influence vernix distribution on the skin surface, vernix effects on thermal stability, skin hydration, acid mantle development, and vernix antioxidant properties. STUDY DESIGN:Vernix distribution was determined for 430 infants. Thermal stability was assessed in parallel groups following vernix retention (n ¼ 66) and removal (n ¼ 64). The effects of vernix retention on skin hydration, pH, erythema, and dryness/scaling were determined. Samples were analyzed for vitamin E before and after UV exposure. RESULTS:Vernix distribution depended upon gestational age, delivery mode, gender, race, and meconium exposure. Retention had no effect on axillary temperatures. Skin hydration was significantly higher for vernix-retained skin. Skin pH and erythema were significantly lower with retention. Vitamin E levels were decreased by ultraviolet radiation. CONCLUSIONS:Vernix is a naturally occurring barrier cream with multiple salubrious effects, which support its retention on the skin surface at birth.
The skin forms a critical structural boundary and a perceptual interface for the organism, yet the definition "healthy skin" is surprisingly difficult to describe. The present study's goal was to generate a technical definition of healthy infant skin by quantifying specific biophysical parameters before and after bathing in infants and correlating such parameters to a perceptual maternal evaluation. Fifty-two healthy infants, 3-6 months old, were evaluated before and after freshwater bathing. Diapered skin had a higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL), surface hydration, moisture accumulation rate (MAT), and friction than nondiapered skin before the bath (p < 0.01). Bathing dramatically altered the biophysical properties at both skin sites, with decreased MAT and lower friction, indicating a drier skin surface (p < 0.01). Visual redness and dryness decreased after bathing (p < 0.01). Blinded grading of optical images showed a significant preference for the skin after bathing (p < 0.01). This study provides the first quantitative technical definition of healthy infant skin with positive correlation to perceptual assessment by independent observers (mothers). The findings support the hypothesis that water binding properties of the stratum corneum are altered by occlusion (diapering) and that bathing introduces acute changes in stratum corneum water interactions, leading to a drier skin surface and a preferred skin appearance.
The customized neonatal MRI system provides state-of-the-art MRI capabilities in the NICU.
by microfluorometric scanning that the negative charges generated in the cuticle surface can be used to bind low-molecularweight quaternary conditioners. This process can be considered as 'relipidation' or 'refatting of the scale faces. We have shown in earlier studies (1) that this entire process of oxidation-induced 'delipidation' and subsequent 'relipidation' of the acidic scale faces with a cationic conditioning molecule can also be reliably quantified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, single-fiber wettability scanning using the Wilhelmy technique, which is highly sensitive to any changes in surface chemistry, is well-suited to detect and characterize treatmentinduced changes in the chemical nature of the hair surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic.pp. 13-22 Natural moisturizing factors in the stratum corneum I. Effects of lipid extraction and soaking (M.V., A.L.R) Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) is essential for appropriate stratum corneum hydration, barrier homeostasis, desquamation, and plasticity. It is formed from filaggrin proteolysis to small, hygroscopic molecules including amino acids. We hypothesized that common lipid extraction and soaking in water would alter the level of NMF in the upper stratum corneum (SC) and its biophysical properties. A novel method of measuring and quantifying the amino acid components of NMF is presented. Adhesive tapes were used to collect samples of the SC and were extracted with 6 mM perchloric acid for analysis by reverse-phase highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The HPLC results were standardized to the amount of protein removed by the tapes. An increase in NMF was found with increased SC depth. Also, the combination of extraction and soaking was found to increase NMF loss relative to control or to extraction or soaking alone. Our results indicate that common skin care practices significantly influence the water binding materials in the upper SC. The findings have implications for the evaluation and formulation of skin care products.pp. 23-29 Natural moisturizing factors in the stratum corneum II. Regeneration of NMF over time after soaking (M.V., A.L.R) The detrimental effects of prolonged water exposure on skin are well known. Information on the effects of short-term exposure, e.g. during bathing, showering, and hand washing, on Natural moisturizing factors (NMF) levels is limited. In an attempt to isolate the effects of soaking on the NMF, a time course for skin sample collection was devised in which adhesive tapes were applied 0.5 and 4 h after soaking of the treated arm. Significant decreases in NMF levels, quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of serial tape strips, were observed 0.5 h after soaking, with a replacement of NMF occurring by the four-hour mark. This replacement corresponds to a parallel rebound in skin pH also observed at these times. Stratum corneum (SC) hydration values, measured instrumentally as the rate of moisture accumulation (MAT), however, were depressed 0.5 h post-soaking and remai...
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