Commonly Employed African Neonatal Skin Care Products Compromise Epidermal Function in Mice

ConclusionSome neonatal skin care products that are widely used in Africa perturb important epidermal functions, including permeability barrier homeostasis in mice. Should these products have similar effects on newborn human skin, they could cause a defective epidermal permeability barrier, which can increase body fluid loss, impair thermoregulation, and contribute to the high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality seen in Africa. Accordingly, alternative products that enhance permeability barrier function should be identified, particularly for use in preterm infants.

Source: Pediatric Dermatology - July 10, 2016 Category: Dermatology Authors: Mao‐Qiang Man, Richard Sun, George Man, Dale Lee, Zelee Hill, Peter M. Elias Tags: Original Article Source Type: research