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Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation

Journal of Perinatology volume 25, pages 440–446 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

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=66) and removal (n=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.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported in part by a grant from the Neonatal Resuscitation Program of the American Academy of Pediatrics and by The Skin Sciences Institute of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation. We acknowledge Kathy Spiering and the health care professional staffs at Christ Hospital, University Hospital and Anderson Mercy Hospital for their expert assistance and perseverance in facilitating this research project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Skin Sciences Institute, Division of Neonatology, Center for Epidemiology, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Marty O Visscher PhD, Vivek Narendran MD, William L Pickens BS, Angela A LaRuffa RN, BSN & Steven B Hoath MD

  2. Biostatistics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Jareen Meinzen-Derr MPH

  3. The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Kathleen Allen RN, MSN, NNP

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  1. Marty O Visscher PhD
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Visscher, M., Narendran, V., Pickens, W. et al. Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation. J Perinatol 25, 440–446 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211305

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