Skin care product evaluation in a group of critically ill, premature neonates: a descriptive study

Patient safety in the prevention and care of skin lesions in newborns: integrative review

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the main evidence available in the literature on safe practices in the prevention and care of skin lesions in newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Methods: integrative literature review in the PubMed, BDENF, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO and Cochrane Library databases between 2013 and 2018. We included primary articles on: lesion prevention and skin care in newborns in Portuguese, English or Spanish and excluded editorials, thesis, dissertations and duplicate articles. For the evidence level, we used the Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt classification, which classifies studies between weak to strong evidence. Results: a total of 10 articles with moderate to weak evidence on thermoregulation, bathing, lesion prevention, use of patches and skin antisepsis. Final considerations: there was a shortage of publications with high evidence, and it is necessary to invest in research that seeks to support safer skin care practices.

Evidências sobre prevenção de lesões de pele em recém-nascidos: revisão integrativa

Objetivo: identificar estratégias para a prevenção de lesões de pele em recém-nascidos (RN) hospitalizados, publicadas em periódicos científicos no período de 2013 a 2018. Método: revisão integrativa de literatura realizada em dois momentos de busca em bases de dados, sendo selecionados 37 estudos publicados entre os anos de 2013 e 2018. Resultados: termorregulação, uso de antisséptico, uso de emolientes e limpeza do coto umbilical foram as recomendações mais encontradas. Entre as práticas baseadas em evidência, destacam-se as que previnem o risco de hipotermia, como o uso de saco de polietileno e o contato pele a pele, que respaldam a assistência e que garantem segurança no cuidado do paciente neonatal. Conclusão: a prevenção de lesões de pele é um tema relevante, entretanto, existe escassez de evidências robustas para sustentar, com segurança, as práticas de cuidados com o RN. Observa-se ainda que as evidências são insuficientes para englobar o universo do tema, demonstrando que o cuidado com a pele é um tema que demanda investimentos e mais pesquisas.

Evidence on prevention of skin lesions in newborns: integrative review

Objective: To identify strategies for the prevention of skin lesions in hospitalized newborns (NBs), published in scientific journals from 2013 to 2018. Method: Integrative literature review performed in two moments of database search, selecting 37 studies published between 2013 and 2018. Results: Thermoregulation, use of antiseptic, use of emollients and cleaning of the umbilical stump were the most commonly found recommendations. Among the evidence-based practices, we highlight those that prevent the risk of hypothermia, such as the use of a polyethylene bag and skin-to-skin contact, which support the assistance and ensure safety in the care of the neonatal patient. Conclusion: The prevention of skin lesions is a relevant topic. However, there is a scarcity of robust evidence to safely sustain NB care practices. It is also observed that the evidence is insufficient to encompass the universe of the theme, demonstrating that skin care is a theme that requires investment and more research.

Protecting vulnerable skin from moisture-associated skin damage

The skin, the body's largest organ, has several functions. Its barrier role can be undermined if it is in contact with urine, faeces and other sources of excess moisture; overhydration can also increase the likelihood of injury from friction through contact with clothing, incontinence pads or bed linen. If skin has been damaged by moisture or is at risk of this, its health can be supported through cleansing to maintain its acid mantle followed by protection with barrier products. Barrier preparations are available in different forms, and their effectiveness varies. A new product, Medline Remedy Moisturising Barrier Cream, has been trialled in adults, children and neonates in a variety of healthcare settings.