Baby Skin

Although baby skin has the same number of layers as that of an adult, it is only a fifth of the thickness and therefore, less resistant. Babies also have:

• A less well-defined horny layer with cells that are not so densely packed, which limits the barrier function. This allows for substances to migrate easily into the skin and absorb.
• Less active sweat and sebaceous glands making the hydrolipid film and protective acid mantle rather weak. Only puberty increases sebaceous gland activity through hormonal changes.
• High UV sensitivity due to reduced pigmentation (melanocytes are present, but less active)

These differences make baby skin especially sensitive to chemical, physical and microbial influences, as well as more prone to drying out. Babies also have difficulty regulating body temperature because of their relatively large body surface, reduced sweat gland function and slow adaptability of the skin"s circulation system.

Nappy Rash
The confining nature of nappies, combined with the irritating action of urine, feces, sweat and mechanical stress (rubbing), causes the skin to become inflamed. Through the raised pH, due to the action of bacteria on urea (ammonia formation), tryptic enzymes are activated which produce a skin-damaging contact noxa. Fecal bacteria and the fungus Candida albicans also play an important role in the development of diaper rash.

From the fourth year on, the skin slowly develops into that of an adult. By puberty - around 12 years of age - the child's skin conforms to the structure and function of an adult.