1. Introduction
sepsis, groin, early-life
SKIN, SEPSIS, ADVERSE EFFECTS
The structure and function of infant skin is not fully developed until 34 weeks of gestation, and this immaturity is associated with risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS). Topical coconut oil improves preterm-infant skin integrity and may reduce LOS. However, data on early-life skin-microbiome succession and potential effects of emollient skin care in preterm infants are scarce. We therefore collected skin-microbiome samples from the ear, axilla, and groin on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 from preterm infants born <30 weeks of gestation as part of a randomized clinical trial of standard skin care vs. topical coconut oil. We found that within-sample microbiome diversity was highest on day 1 after birth, with a subsequent decline and emergence of Human skin hosts a diverse, low-density microbiome of bacteria and fungi [Skin colonisation begins immediately at, or even before, birth; however, the factors influencing the succession of the skin microbiota are not completely understood. For example, the effect of the mode of delivery on skin-microbiome composition remains controversial [Infant skin at birth is initially rich in Firmicutes, followed by Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Emollients used for neonatal skin care, both mineral-oil-derived and natural oils, aim to reduce TEWL and improve skin integrity [Our previously described, randomized, controlled trial of topical coconut oil in very (born <30 weeks GA) preterm infants resulted in improved skin integrity, without adverse effects [