Baby Skin Research Articles

Toxicity assessment of popular baby skin care products from Indian market using microbial bioassays and chemical methods

Specialized cosmetic products for infant use are gaining a lot of popularity in the Indian as well as global market, as these products have become an inseparable part of modern urban lifestyle. Baby cosmetics are available in a wide range. They claim to be milder than similar products meant for adult use. However, these products need to be checked for their safety through a battery of assays based on biological systems, along with the ones based on chemical and physical protocols. This study attempts to test different baby cosmetic products using one prokaryotic and one eukaryotic assay system. Chemical protocols prescribed by cosmetic product controlling organizations of India are also used to estimate the quantity of harmful heavy metals like arsenic, lead and cadmium if present in the samples. Few of the products tested have shown significant toxicity as well as heavy metal content. The results hold a lot of importance keeping in mind the extra sensitivity of an infant body. It is further suggested that studies using cell based and in vivo test systems should be done to confirm the findings.

Neonatal skin care: what should we do? A four-week follow-up randomized controlled trial at Zagazig University Hospitals.

Taking care of newborn skin is necessary to avoid skin infections. The normal daily exposure to external factors affects the skin negatively. Skin hygiene and proper skin cleansing as well as protection of the infant skin barrier are essential to maintain barrier function and overall infant health. The aim of this work is to assess the neonatal skin care effectiveness in promotion of normal skin development and protection of the optimal skin function by avoiding the different neonatal skin disorders which cause skin infection. In conclusion, proper care and good hygiene of the normal mature neonatal skin are essential to maintain skin barrier function and overall health. This is achieved by optimizing epidermal barrier integrity that includes: bathing and using emollient; preventing and managing infections and skin injury; minimizing transepidermal water loss (TEWL); minimizing heat loss and percutaneous absorption of toxins. Baby bath products as well as baby wipes are safe to use and do not appear to affect an infant's skin barrier integrity. It is therefore sensible to use cleansers that have been specially designed for baby's skin, which are pH neutral and very mild to avoid irritant dermatitis and allergic dermatitis.

The Effect of Education on Chlorhexidine Use in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

BackgroundNeonates are at greater risk for central-line-associated bloodstream infection due to prolonged vascular access for nutrition and medications. Skin antisepsis using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), particularly the formulation with alcohol (CHG/alcohol), during central line insertion and maintenance activities is a key clinical care process associated with central line-associated bloodstream infection reduction. One area of ongoing confusion for many clinicians is whether to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations that CHG remain on the skin following the procedure to promote persistent microbicidal effects, or to foster product removal in hopes of preventing skin-related complications. PurposeDetermine the effect of a targeted education program on the knowledge and attitudes of nurses who place peripherally inserted central catheters in the neonatal intensive care unit regarding the use and removal of CHG antiseptic. MethodsA quasiexperimental presurvey/postsurvey quality improvement project recruited participants from the electronic mailing list of a national neonatal nursing organization. ResultsThere was a statistically significant deficiency in knowledge or misinformation related to the use of CHG/alcohol on the presurvey assessment. Eight questions reflecting knowledge consistent with most recent evidence were answered correctly only 11.4%-25.7% of the time, all of which were considered statistically significant. Following completion of the education program, a nearly 100% correct response rate on all but 3 postsurvey questions resulted. ConclusionsThis quality improvement project demonstrated success in the ability to change knowledge surrounding the removal of CHG/alcohol from the skin of babies in a neonatal intensive care unit following completion of a targeted education program, and the effectiveness of targeted web-based educational programs.

Investigation of zinc oxide particles in cosmetic products by means of centrifugal and asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation

The dimensional characterization of insoluble, inorganic particles, such as zinc oxide ZnO, dispersed in cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations, is of great interest considering the current need of declaring the possible presence of nanomaterials on the label of commercial products.This work compares the separation abilities of Centrifugal- and Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation techniques (CF3 and AF4, respectively), equipped with UV–vis, MALS and DLS detectors, in size sorting ZnO particles, both as pristine powders and after their extraction from cosmetic matrices.ZnO particles, bare and superficially modified with triethoxycaprylyl silane, were used as test materials. To identify the most suitable procedure necessary to isolate the ZnO particles from the cosmetic matrix, two O/W and two W/O emulsions were formulated on purpose. The suspensions, containing the extracted particles ZnO, were separated by both Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) techniques to establish a common analysis protocol, applicable for the analysis of ZnO particles extracted from three commercial products, sold in Europe for the baby skin care.Key aspects of this study were the selection of an appropriate dispersing agent enabling the particles to stay in stable suspensions (>24h)and the use of multiple detectors (UV–vis, MALS and DLS) coupled on-line with the FFF channels, to determine the particle dimensions without using the retention parameters. Between the two FFF techniques, CF3 revealed to be the most robust one, able to sort all suspensions created in this work.

Emu oil-based lotion effects on neonatal skin barrier during transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life.

Both appropriate hydration and skin surface pH are fundamental in preventing baby skin barrier damage during transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. However, effects of topical moisturizers on neonatal stratum corneum temperature, pH, hydration, and elasticity have not been scientifically evaluated in vivo. We checked 31 full-term breastfeeding neonates by non-invasive bioengineering method, which is able to evaluate the basal skin barrier (left heel), and assessed at 6±1 hours after birth, and at 1 and 24 hours after emu oil-based topical treatment. The basal skin barrier of right heel (no oil exposure) of each newborn was considered as control. We found that a single application of an emu oil-based lotion was effective in improving heel stratum corneum hydration, which increases both skin pH and elasticity without any effect on temperature. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term beneficial effects of this treatment in a very sensitive patient population.

Characterization of dry skin in vitro and in vivo in a pediatric population: Application for evaluation of specific skin care products for normal and dry baby skin

Characterization of dry skin in vitro and in vivo in a pediatric population: Application for evaluation of specific skin care products for normal and dry baby skin

Skin hydration analysis by experiment and computer simulations and its implications for diapered skin.

Experimental work on skin hydration is technologically challenging, and mostly limited to observations where environmental conditions are constant. In some cases, like diapered baby skin, such work is practically unfeasible, yet it is important to understand potential effects of diapering on skin condition. To overcome this challenge, in part, we developed a computer simulation model of reversible transient skin hydration effects. Skin hydration model by Li etal. (Chem Eng Sci, 138, 2015, 164) was further developed to simulate transient exposure conditions where relative humidity (RH), wind velocity, air, and skin temperature can be any function of time. Computer simulations of evaporative water loss (EWL) decay after different occlusion times were compared with experimental data to calibrate the model. Next, we used the model to investigate EWL and SC thickness in different diapering scenarios. Key results from the experimental work were: (1) For occlusions by RH=100% and free water longer than 30minutes the absorbed amount of water is almost the same; (2) Longer occlusion times result in higher water absorption by the SC. The EWL decay and skin water content predictions were in agreement with experimental data. Simulations also revealed that skin under occlusion hydrates mainly because the outflux is blocked, not because it absorbs water from the environment. Further, simulations demonstrated that hydration level is sensitive to time, RH and/or free water on skin. In simulated diapering scenarios, skin maintained hydration content very close to the baseline conditions without a diaper for the entire duration of a 24hours period. Different diapers/diaper technologies are known to have different profiles in terms of their ability to provide wetness protection, which can result in consumer-noticeable differences in wetness. Simulation results based on published literature using data from a number of different diapers suggest that diapered skin hydrates within ranges considered reversible.

The Effect of Education on Chlorhexidine Use in the NICU.

Neonates are at greater risk for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) because of prolonged vascular access for nutrition and medications. Skin antisepsis using chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), particularly the formulation with alcohol (CHG/alcohol), during central line insertion and maintenance activities is a key clinical care process associated with CLABSI reduction. One area of ongoing confusion for many clinicians is whether to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations that CHG remain on the skin following the procedure to promote persistent microbicidal effects or to foster product removal in hopes of preventing skin-related complications. Determine the effect of a targeted education program on the knowledge and attitudes of nurses who place peripherally inserted central catheters in the NICU regarding the use and removal of CHG antiseptic. A quasi-experimental presurvey/postsurvey quality improvement project (QI project) recruited participants from the electronic mailing list of a national neonatal nursing organization. There was a statistically significant deficiency in knowledge or misinformation related to the use of CHG/alcohol on the presurvey assessment. Eight questions reflecting knowledge consistent with most recent evidence were answered correctly only 11.4-25.7 percent of the time, all of which were considered statistically significant. Following completion of the education program, a nearly 100 percent correct response rate on all but three postsurvey questions resulted. This quality improvement project demonstrated success in the ability to change knowledge surrounding the removal of CHG/alcohol from the skin of babies in the NICU following completion of a targeted education program and the effectiveness of targeted web-based educational programs.

An empirical investigation of brand resilience through disclosure of negative information: a consumer preference perspective

Many consumer brands present some level of harm. Consumers, however, are not always aware of the level of harm involved (Rundle-Thiele et al., 2008). A repeated measure Best-Worst design was used to measure consumers' stated choice preference for three brands of baby shampoo before and after information on the effects of petrochemicals on baby's skin was disclosed. A total of 323 valid questionnaires were collected before and a total of 79 valid questionnaires were collected after information disclosure. Preferences for the brand containing petrochemicals decreased and preferences for one competing brand which contained natural ingredients increased following disclosure of information on the effects of petrochemicals on baby skin. This study contributes to the literature showcasing how a repeated measure Best-Worst design can be used to predict the consequences of disclosing harmful information on brands to the public and, how consumers' purchase preferences can be predicated according to brand resilience.

An empirical investigation of brand resilience through disclosure of negative information: a consumer preference perspective

Many consumer brands present some level of harm. Consumers, however, are not always aware of the level of harm involved (Rundle-Thiele et al., 2008). A repeated measure Best-Worst design was used to measure consumers' stated choice preference for three brands of baby shampoo before and after information on the effects of petrochemicals on baby's skin was disclosed. A total of 323 valid questionnaires were collected before and a total of 79 valid questionnaires were collected after information disclosure. Preferences for the brand containing petrochemicals decreased and preferences for one competing brand which contained natural ingredients increased following disclosure of information on the effects of petrochemicals on baby skin. This study contributes to the literature showcasing how a repeated measure Best-Worst design can be used to predict the consequences of disclosing harmful information on brands to the public and, how consumers' purchase preferences can be predicated according to brand resilience.

Solar powered baby/infant radiant warmer installed in neonatal intensive care unit in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Context: Hypothermia is common in infants born at hospitals (32%–85%) and at homes (11%–92%). Hypothermia does not lead to mortality directly; it contributes globally to newborn survival mostly as comorbidity of neonatal infection, preterm birth, low birth weight babies, and asphyxia, even in tropical countries such as India. The problem of low birth infants is 30% in our country. One of the estimates of reducing neonatal deaths is to provide warmth to the baby. By giving warmth to the baby either skin to skin contact or incubator or open care system, the potential impact in reducing the neonatal deaths is estimated at 1.8%–42%. Aim: India is going through energy crisis, a solar powered baby warmer was thought of to prevent hypothermia in the newborn care. Setting and Design: An open care infant warmer was planned to connect to solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), in a tertiary hospital in New Delhi. The PV system was designed for about 10 h of working, to generate for approximately 4 kWh of energy per day. Methods: Solar panels were connected to one open care radiant warmer with an inbuilt energy meter in a NICU in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. Energy meter was also connected to the AC mains/grid to know if any current is drawn from the grid. Energy meter readings were taken at the time of installation of solar radiant warmer and at the end of 368 days at the end of all the seasons. Results: The solar powered radiant warmer was successfully installed in the NICU and fully functional since December 10, 2012. The preliminary energy consumption study shows that PV panels of 1.2 kWp were more than enough to run one radiant warmer. At least two radiant warmers could be connected in the panel size used. There is no running cost as the electricity saved in the 1st year was equal to the cost solar panel and cost of radiant warmer. Conclusions: The solar powered baby warmer is environment-friendly. In rural areas where power supply is erratic and where there is plenty of sunshine, this product will help in the care of high-risk infants in Level II special care newborn units in district hospital and neonatal stabilizing units in subdistrict levels at primary health center and community health center.

Study of safety some detergent solutions at different values of ph

This article considers effect of surfactants, which are often used in the manufacture foaming detergents, in particular children’s shampoos and personal care products. Past studies have shown that the experimental samples foaming bases with modern detergents anionic and amphoteric origin do not show a toxic properties, namely locally-irritating and analgesic effect. Obtained results suggest the possibility of developing a wide spectrum cleaning means in different designation range of pH:from baby skin to the intimate areas of the body.

PENGALAMAN IBU DALAM PELAKSANAAN PERAWATAN METODE KANGURU DI RUMAH TERHADAP BAYI BERAT BADAN LAHIR RENDAH DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS PARONGPONG KABUPATEN BANDUNG BARAT

ABSTRAK Pendahuluan: perawatan Metode Kanguru (Kangaroo Mother Care) adalah perawatan untuk bayi berat lahir rendah atau bayi yang lahir prematur dengan melakukan kontak kulit antara bayi dan kulit ibu atau skin to skin contact, dimana ibu menggunakan suhu tubuhnya untuk menghangatkan bayi. Tujuan: penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi pengalaman ibu mengenai pelaksanaan perawatan metode kanguru di rumah pada BBLR di Wilayah kerja Puskesmas Parongpong Kecamatan Bandung Barat. Metode: penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif fenomenalogi. Penelitian ini melibatkan 3 orang Key Informant dengan teknik proposive sampling, memenuhi kriteria memiliki BBLR dan berpengalaman menggunakan PMK selama di rumah. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara wawancara yang dilengkapi dengan pedoman wawancara. Wawancara direkam kemudian di buat transkrip verbatim dan dianalisis dengan metode Colaizzi. Hasil: dalam penelitian ini adalah tiga tema dan dua belas kategori yang muncul. Diskusi: hasil penelitian memberikan saran bagi ibu, institusi kesehatan keluarga agar mendukung ibu yang memiliki BBLR dalam melaksanakan PMK dan menjadi pedoman penelitian lanjutan bagi bidang penelitian. ABSTRACT Introduction: : Kangaroo Care (Kangaroo Mother Care) is a treatment for low birth weight baby or infants born prematurely with contact the skin between baby and mother's skin or skin to skin contact, which is body temperature can be spark the baby. Objective: this study aims to identify the mother's experience over the treatment method of kangaroo in the house for low birth weight in the work area of the Puskesmas Parongpong West Bandung. Method: this research is a qualitative phenomenology which involved three Key Informants using proposive sampling technique with criteria experienced using kangaroo care at home for baby with low birth weight. The data collected through indepth interview, which is equipped with the guidelines interview. The interview recorded and transcript to using verbatim and analyzed by the method of Collaizzi. Results: there are three themes and twelve categories merges in this study. Discussion: this study provided advice for mothers, the family's health to support mothers with LBW in implementing the PMK and to guide further research for the wide research field of research.

A Survey of Practice and Knowledge of Refugee and Migrant Pregnant Mothers Surrounding Neonatal Jaundice on the Thailand-Myanmar Border.

Background: In populations with a high prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, practices that can induce haemolysis need to be identified to raise awareness of preventable risks. The aim of this survey was to determine the proportion of prospective mothers using haemolytic agents and their knowledge and practice surrounding neonatal jaundice.Methods: Pregnant mothers were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey conducted at Shoklo Malaria Research Unit on the Thailand–Myanmar border.Results: From 12 April 2015 to 12 June 2015, 522 pregnant women completed the survey. Mothball use in the household was reported by 41.4% (216 of 522) of prospective mothers and menthol containing products on baby skin by 46.7% (244 of 522).Conclusion: Just over 40% of the households reported use of naphthalene-containing mothballs. Future health promotion activities that focus on reducing naphthalene mothball and menthol-containing products use have the potential to reduce rates of severe neonatal jaundice in this population.

Herbal recipes used for the traditional management of infantile dermatitis in Odeda, Southwestern Nigeria

Background: The period of infancy, spanning through the neonatal stage to two years, is characterized by a series of health challenges for the affected child and concerned parents. This study conducted in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria was aimed at investigating the plants used in the traditional management of infantile dermatitis and other neonatal skin infections with emphasis on the role of SPICES.Methods: Structured questionnaires (and personal interview) were administered to 36 nursing mothers (age range, 15 – 50) and 30 herbsellers (age range, 21 – 60) in the LGA. The herbsellers prescribed recipes used in the management of general skin diseases including abscess, chicken pox, eczema, flaky skin spots, measles, rashes, ringworm, and small pox.Results: The survey yielded 69 plants belonging to 38 families and forming 25 polyherbal and mono-recipes. Fabaceae, Rutaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Annonaceae, Poaceae, Meliaceae, and Amaryllidaceae had high species representation. Trees (40.58%) were the most frequently used plant habit while leaves (40.58%) formed the most frequently used plant part. Decoction and infusion using pure water were the methods of preparation suggested. Administration ranged from drinking extracts (2-3 teaspoonfuls) three times daily, to bathing with warm extracts of the plants and the use of coconut oil as cream. Traditional black soap and Shea butter also featured in the herbal remedy for bath and as cream respectively. Local sponge was preferred for bathing.Conclusion: This study has documented the alternative medical approach in the management of infantile skin diseases. The cultural relevance of plants calls for sustainable use of plant resources. This research finds application in primary health care, microbiology, and in cosmetic industries for the development of new or improved baby skin care products. Further research should be conducted to confirm the claimed ethnomedicinal values as well as evaluate possible harm of crude plant extracts to skin structures of infants.Keywords: Infants, Skin infections, Spices, Nigeria

HERBAL RECIPES USED FOR THE TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF INFANTILE DERMATITIS IN ODEDA, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Background: The period of infancy, spanning through the neonatal stage to two years, is characterized by a series of health
 challenges for the affected child and concerned parents. This study conducted in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State,
 Nigeria was aimed at investigating the plants used in the traditional management of infantile dermatitis and other neonatal skin
 infections with emphasis on the role of SPICES.
 Methods: Structured questionnaires (and personal interview) were administered to 36 nursing mothers (age range, 15 – 50) and 30
 herbsellers (age range, 21 – 60) in the LGA. The herbsellers prescribed recipes used in the management of general skin diseases
 including abscess, chicken pox, eczema, flaky skin spots, measles, rashes, ringworm, and small pox.
 Results: The survey yielded 69 plants belonging to 38 families and forming 25 polyherbal and mono-recipes. Fabaceae, Rutaceae,
 Euphorbiaceae, Annonaceae, Poaceae, Meliaceae, and Amaryllidaceae had high species representation. Trees (40.58%) were the
 most frequently used plant habit while leaves (40.58%) formed the most frequently used plant part. Decoction and infusion using
 pure water were the methods of preparation suggested. Administration ranged from drinking extracts (2-3 teaspoonfuls) three times
 daily, to bathing with warm extracts of the plants and the use of coconut oil as cream. Traditional black soap and Shea butter also
 featured in the herbal remedy for bath and as cream respectively. Local sponge was preferred for bathing.
 Conclusion: This study has documented the alternative medical approach in the management of infantile skin diseases. The cultural
 relevance of plants calls for sustainable use of plant resources. This research finds application in primary health care, microbiology,
 and in cosmetic industries for the development of new or improved baby skin care products. Further research should be conducted to
 confirm the claimed ethnomedicinal values as well as evaluate possible harm of crude plant extracts to skin structures of infants.

GENTLE CARE FOR BABY SKIN

The article is devoted to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the skin of babies and new options for gentle care. Some results of preclinical and clinical studies of skin care with Realba® oat extract are demonstrated.

Is Oil a Balsam for Baby Skin?

Is Oil a Balsam for Baby Skin?

Practical advice for baby skin care

There is a lack of high-quality evidence to support best practice for infant skin cleansing, says Sandra Lawton

Discovering apparent life-threatening events in the first 24 hours of birth: A case study

The benefits of early skin-to-skin contact and its role in the promotion of successful breastfeeding are widely known and well recognized. One rare but potentially devastating consequence is an apparent life-threatening event, or ALTE. A review of current literature reveals that an exact definition for an ALTE is vague, however several common themes emerge including a decrease in the level of consciousness of the neonate, loss of muscle tone, apnea and pallor/cyanosis. ALTEs are thought to occur most commonly in first time mothers and when the mother was not under direct observation by a healthcare provider. This paper examines the prevalence of ALTE's in the first 24 h of life and includes a case study of an ALTE that occurred at 50 min of life in a full-term neonate born to a primaparous mother who was holding her baby skin to skin.