Abstract
Introduction: Skin care for very and extremely preterm infant is an important and previously underappreciated topic. Coconut oil skin care for preterm infants is a promising option, but several important questions remain including the theoretical potential for allergic sensitization. METHODS: This prospective study conducted skin prick testing and allergy questionnaires in a cohort of very preterm infants who received routine skin care with virgin coconut oil during their neonatal admission. RESULTS: Ninety infants (median GA 28.2 weeks, median BW 1,048 g) were assessed at corrected age 15 months. A total of 8 children had positive skin prick tests to 1 or more of the most common allergens (egg, peanut, cashew, dust mite). No child was sensitized to coconut oil or extract. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find evidence of allergic sensitization following neonatal skin care with coconut oil in children born preterm.
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