Effectiveness of No-Sting skin protectant and Aquaphor on water loss and skin integrity in premature infants.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of No-Sting skin protectant and Aquaphor, a water-based emollient, on skin integrity measured by Neonatal Skin Condition Score (NSCS) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in premature infants. In addition, with no data regarding the use of No-Sting in the neonatal population and its desirability because it requires less infant manipulation and less nursing time, it was important to evaluate the use of this product.In all, 69 premature infants born at <33 weeks gestation were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups: (1) No-Sting or (2) Aquaphor for a total of 14 days.Gestational age and total fluid intake were related to NSCS whereas gestational age, incubator humidity levels and total daily fluid intake were significantly related to TEWL. Infants receiving Aquaphor had significantly higher NSCS, but the mean scores in both groups over the 14-day period were in the normal range (<4). There were no differences between Aquaphor and No-Sting in the rate of TEWL over the 14-day period.This study provides the first information regarding the use of No-Sting in the neonatal population. This skin protectant seems as effective as Aquaphor in decreasing TEWL and maintaining skin integrity, and is less resource intensive.

Duke Scholars

Author Debra Huffman Brandon School of Nursing