Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the development of the pH mantle of the skin in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
Study design: Forty VLBW infants underwent repeated measurements of skin pH over the first month of life using a glass flat-surface pH electrode. Six skin sites were measured, daily for the first week of life and then twice weekly for the next 3 weeks.
Results: The only factor that affected the initial skin pH was sex, with males having a significantly higher pH at birth. Over time, birth weight, skin area, and postnatal age had significant effects on skin pH. The pattern of postnatal change in skin pH was similar to that described in term infants, a rapid decrease in pH over the first week followed by a more gradual decrease over the next 3 weeks.
Conclusion: The development of the skin's acid mantle in VLBW infants occurs rapidly during postnatal life and closely mimics the pattern seen at term.