Many babies are born covered by whitish ointment, especially in the folds of the limbs, scalp and back. It's about the vernix caseosa or sebaceous spot, a substance that protects your skin inside the mother's womb.
But once the baby is born, the vernix caseosa also plays an important role, hence it is recommended to delay the bath time so as not to eliminate this sebaceous spot. We tell you how vernix caseosa is formed and what important benefits it has.
What is the composition of vernix caseosa?
The term "vernix" comes from Latin and means "varnish", while "caseosa" comes from the word "caseus" which in Latin means "cheese." And it is that the appearance and consistency of this substance is very similar to that of cheese spread.
The vernix caseosa is composed of a 80% water, 10% fat and another 10% protein, and is a mixture of sebaceous secretions, lanugo and peeling skin cells of the baby.
Its color is greyish white, although it can also have a yellowish hue. If there is meconium, the vernix caseosa will have a blackish color.
Role of vernix caseosa inside the mother's womb
The vernix caseosa begins to segregate between the 18th and 20th week of gestation to protect the baby's delicate skin from the irritating effects of amniotic fluid, preventing it from cracking. Its formation coincides with that of the stratum corneum, which is the name that receives the outermost layer of the skin. Interestingly, this layer can only be developed in a dry environment, so the vernix plays a fundamental role in isolating the amniotic fluid.
In summary, vernix caseosa contributes to the formation of the baby's skin by keeping it isolated from moisture and protecting it against infections inside the uterus.Its production decreases from week 36, and disappears completely in week 41, hence not all babies are impregnated with this substance, and make it more visible in premature babies.
Role of vernix caseosa outside the mother's womb
Until very recently, it was quite common to bathe the baby as soon as he was born to deliver it to his parents neat, and even scented and dressed. However, recent studies advise not to bathe you before the first 48-72 hours after birth to not damage this sebaceous spot.
In Babies and more The three reasons why you should not bathe the baby at birthAnd the vernix caseosa also meets important functions once the baby is born, because it protects your skin against bacterial infections and fungi, and even promotes the healing of skin lesions. In addition, newborns who maintain vernix on their skin regulate their temperature better, have fewer lesions, greater skin hydration and greater elasticity in their skin.
For all this it is so important not to bathe the baby in its first hours, or strive to clean it so it looks perfect. Much of the vernix it will end up being absorbed through the skin or detaching by itself, so enjoy early contact with your baby: everything else can, and should, wait!
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