PERAWATAN KULIT PADA BAYI PRETERM DENGAN PEMBERIAN MINYAK TOPIKAL

SKIN CARE FOR PRETERM INFANTS WITH TOPICAL OIL APPLICATION

Abstract

Preterm birth is a baby born at less than 37 weeks. The skin of preterm babies is
different from the skin of aterm babies. Preterm babies have thinner skin that is more
susceptible to infection, irritation, fluid loss, electrolyte imbalance and trauma. Good
skin care is one of the important components in caring for preterm infants. The use of
coconut oil as a topical treatment in preterm infants has positive effects. Coconut oil
is made of fatty acids that serve to replace lost lipids in the skin barrier. Coconut oil is
also antiseptic and antioxidant. In addition to coconut oil, there is also sunflower seed
oil. Topical administration of sunflower seed oil to preterm infants has the effect of
better skin integrity and lower risk of nosocomial infection. Sunflower seed oil has a
linoleic acid component of about 60%. Linoleic acid has been shown to be a necessary
fatty acid to maintain the normal barrier function of the epidermis. The composition
and fatty acid content of both oils are the main factors that have a positive effect on
the skin.