Effective Skin Protection for Neonates of Various Gestational Age Utilizing a Cyanoacrylate No-sting Liquid Skin Protectant

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it performs several vital functions. Mature skin forms a physical barrier, provides UV protection, prevents invasion of pathogens, and regulates body temperature and sensory perception. Skin maturation is a process that starts at the moment of delivery and ends in the first year of life. However, premature infants experience complications related to skin immaturity. Neonatal skin is fragile, and the immature epidermis and stratum corneum inhibit the skin's ability to regulate body temperature, maintain water and electrolyte balance, prevent infection and protect against absorption of toxic substances. Due to the fragile nature of their skin, it is imperative that it is protected against potential skin breakdown caused by epidermal stripping, extravasation, wound breakdown and excoriation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a cyanoacrylate no-sting liquid skin protectant on the skin of neonates.

A convenience sample of patients was selected. The cyanoacrylate no-sting liquid skin protectant was applied to the damaged skin and to at-risk skin. Standard wound care was also carried out. The time to resolution of skin breakdown was tracked, and any adverse events were noted.

Within a few applications, the damaged skin was resolved, which is of upmost importance in caring for this high risk patient population. During the course of this study, no adverse events were seen. The cyanoacrylate no-sting liquid skin protectant has become a standard usage item in our formulary.