Routine Emollient Therapy with Coconut Oil in Preterm Infants and Allergic Sensitization at 1-Year Corrected Age.

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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. </p>.