Abstract
The skin of the extremely preterm infant is structurally and functionally immature at birth, although there is rapid postnatal maturation. The consequences of this immaturity are a high transepidermal water loss (leading to hypothermia and difficulty in fluid balance) accidental percutaneous absorption and toxicity, and skin trauma (leading to infection). Neonatologists must be aware of these and take measures to limit them.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Abbreviations
- TEWL :
-
transepidermal water loss
References
Baumgart S (1984) Reduction of oxygen consumption, insensible water loss, and radiant heat demand with use of a plastic blanket for low birthweight infants under radiant warmers. Pediatrics 75: 89–99
Cartlidge PHT, Rutter N (1992) Skin barrier function. In: Polin RA, Fox WW (eds) Fetal and neonatal physiology. Saunders, Philadelphia, pp 569–585
Evans NJ, Rutter N (1986) Development of the epidermis in the newborn. Biology Neonate 49:74–80
Hammarlund K, Sedin G, Stromberg B (1983) Transepidermal water loss in the newborn. VIII. Relation to gestational age and postnatal age in appropriate and small for gestational age infants. Acta Paediatr Scand 72:721–728
Harpin V A, Rutter N (1983) Barrier properties of the newborn infant's skin. J Pediatr 102:419–425
Knauth A, Gordin M, McNelis W, Baumgart S. (1989) Semipermeable polyurethane membrane as an artificial skin for the premature neonate. Pediatrics 83:945–950
Rutter N (1987) Percutaneous drug absorption in the newborn; hazard, and uses. Clin Perinatol 14:911–930
Rutter N (1988) The immature skin: in the very immature infant (less than 28 weeks gestation). BMJ 44:957–970
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rutter, N. The immature skin. Eur J Pediatr 155 (Suppl 2), S18–S20 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01958075
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01958075