Standard recommendations for skincare in neonates, infants and children to aid the pediatrician to provide quality skincare to infants and children. 

Authors emphasized that, despite skin being the largest organ in the body with vital functions, often faces negligence of care in children, especially in newborns and infants. They also highlighted the need for evidence-based recommendations for the care of the skin of newborn babies and infants in India.  

The process involved the formation of a committee under the auspices of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics in August 2018 for preparing guidelines on pediatric skincare. The meetings reviewed the existing guidelines/ recommendations/review articles and held detailed discussions, to frame a set of recommendations to fill up the knowledge gaps in current practice in India. The initial draft of the manuscript was sent to all members for approval.

The Recommendations are as follows: 

• Vernix caseosa should not be removed.
• The first bath should be delayed until 24 hours after birth, but not before 6 hours if it is not practically possible to delay owing to cultural reasons.
• The duration of the bath should not exceed 5-10 minutes.
• A liquid cleanser with acidic or neutral pH is preferred, as it will not affect the skin barrier function or the acid mantle.
• The cord stump must be kept clean without any application.
• The diaper area should be kept clean and dry with frequent change of diapers.
• Application of emollient in newborns born in families with a high risk of atopy tends to reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis.
• Oil massage has multiple benefits and is recommended.
• Massage with sunflower oil, coconut oil or mineral oil is preferred over vegetable oils such as olive oil and mustard oil, which have been found to be detrimental to barrier function. 

Source: R Madhu, Chandran V, V Anandan, K Nedunchelian, S Thangavelu, Soans St, ShastriDd, Parekh Bj, Kumar Rr, GvBasavaraja. Indian Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines For Pediatric Skin Care, Indian Pediatrics, 2021;58: 153-161.