Changes in the water content of the corneal layer of newborn infants using a corneometer

This study measured serial changes in the water content of newborn infants to investigate the characteristics of newborn skin and obtain basic information to provide effective cleansing care and create the perfect environment to promote the formation of the corneal layer of newborn infants. The subjects were 73 term infants who had an appropriatefor- date (AFD) birth weight (≥ 2,500 g) consisting of 39 infants born between October and December 2007 (fall) and 34 infants born between April and March 2011 (spring). The water content of the corneal layer of the epidermis was measured using a corneometer (CM825). Using this corneometer, the water content of the skin from the skin surface to areas 30- 40mm below is measured by the electrostatic capacity method, and measurement values are expressed as values from 0 to 120 that are proportional to the skin water content. before bathing from the 1st to 5th day after birth in the following 6 areas of the body: (1) between the eyebrows, (2) left corner of the mouth, (3) the middle of the left forearm, (4) left area of the abdomen (between the anterior superior iliac spine and navel), (5) infrascapular area (at the nipple level), and (6) the lateral side of the thigh. The water content of newborn skin was the lowest on the 1st day after birth, and increased with days. The water content of the skin differed among the areas of the body, being highest in the corner of the mouth and lowest on the forearms. The temperature and humidity of the neonatal intensive care unit was higher in the spring than fall, and the water content on the 1st day after birth was higher in infants born in the spring than those born in the fall.