Developmental alterations of physical properties and components of neonatal-infantile stratum corneum of upper thighs and diaper-covered buttocks during the 1st year of life.

Background: Although physical properties of neonatal-infantile stratum corneum (SC) change drastically after birth, precise developmental alterations of specific sites have not been fully elucidated.

Objective: To determine the longitudinal alterations of neonatal-infantile SC functions and components of upper thighs and diaper-covered buttocks during the first year of life. The data were compared with those of adults.

Methods: Nineteen full-term neonates and their mothers were subjected to the measurements. Skin hydration, water sorption/retention capacity, TEWL were measured. Superficial SC analyses for NMF, ester binding sebum, and free fatty acids were performed by ATR-FTIR spectrometer. Total amount of ceramides (CERs) and CER subclasses were analyzed by NPLC-ESI-MS.

Results: SC hydration of neonatal thighs was lower than that of their mothers, which rapidly increased during the 1st month. Skin hydration of neonatal buttocks was similar to that of their mothers. This also rapidly increased during the 1st month. The neonatal TEWL was less than those of their mothers indicating more efficient barrier function at both sites, which significantly increased during the 1st year development. This was mostly correlated decreased in the ω-hydroxy fatty acid-esterified CERs. Superficial ester-binding sebum content of neonates was similar to that of their mothers, which significantly decreased during the measurement; the decrease was more marked on buttocks. Neither NMF nor FFA of the superficial SC showed significant alteration during the 1-year development.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that physical functions and components of neonatal-infantile SC show considerable alterations between diaper-covered buttocks and upper thighs during the 1st year development.