When to remove vernix?

[Julie Basilio]

There is a confusion in our unit with regards to the removal of vernix. References will both differs in advises - to keep and remove it as well. Is there any protocol or rule with regards on when is the appropriate time for vernix to be removed?

[babyNP., APRN]

I don't work in a delivery hospital, but I was under the impression that vernix just absorbs into the skin?

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

We remove it because if we didn't, nothing would adhere to the pt. Probes, leads, tape.

[desilu92]

I have worked in non-delivery hospitals, newborn nurseries and delivery hospitals. Other than giving a sponge bath, vernix is the best "natural" lotion for a preemie and should be allowed to absorb into the skin. A sali-wipe can be used if leads won't stick. I have seen many units use arm leads for micro-preemies, no tcm monitoring, secure temp probes with a small piece of duoderm and pulse ox with a posey strap around it.

[littleneoRN]

You can buy infant pulse oximeters that velcro instead of stick. We use sali-wipes to clean areas for leads, and for small babies we use micro-leads that don't very much surface area. For healthy term babies, I suspect (although I haven't researched) that bathing is more that people (both many parents and staff) don't want to handle a gooey baby than for real benefit for the baby. The vernix has moisturizing properties. When we bath, we get off most of the goo, but we don't scrub at the vernix.

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

I have worked in non-delivery hospitals, newborn nurseries and delivery hospitals. Other than giving a sponge bath, vernix is the best "natural" lotion for a preemie and should be allowed to absorb into the skin. A sali-wipe can be used if leads won't stick. I have seen many units use arm leads for micro-preemies, no tcm monitoring, secure temp probes with a small piece of duoderm and pulse ox with a posey strap around it.

I have yet to see a micro with vernix on them.