1
237

What Is Vernix Caseosa?

When you know you will be a mother, curiosity is at high levels. You know to know everything there`s to know about your pregnancy and your future baby. In today`s article we`ll talk about what is vernix caseosa, what are its benefits and other things about it you may not know.

What Is Vernix Caseosa

Table of Contents

What Is Vernix Caseosa?

Vernix caseosa is a white-gray substance of greasy consistency, which covers in thinner or thicker layers the newborn`s skin. This substance, formed from scaly skin cells and sebaceous secretions, is very adherent to the skin. Vernix caseosa is formed during the week 8 of pregnancy and at childbirth is mainly present mostly in envelopes. The substance protects the baby`s skin by the contact with the amniotic fluid. A dark yellow color of this greasy substance may indicate a fetal condition, especially if the term has been exceeded.

Benefits of Vernix Caseosa

It Helps the Baby Adapt to the Extrauterine Life

Besides the fact that by immediate washing, the baby suffers a drastic environmental change and a sudden increase of stress state, vernix caseosa helps him adapt to the extrauterine life through its protein and lipid components. They potentiate each other and, once the birth takes place, this protective layer becomes a defense adaptive mechanism against the environment. – More about this!

It Has Antimicrobial Properties

Not only that, but studies showed that these properties are similar to those of breast milk. It offers the fetus (and of course the newborn, if it isn`t washed at birth) the resistance against infections of a series of pathogens that are quite dangerous, both in the intrauterine and extrauterine environment: E-coli, listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, streptococcus B, Candida albicans, golden staphylococcus.

It Keeps your Skin Hydrated

Almost anyone knows what dermatological issues newborns have, who have fine skin which seems almost aggressed by the extrauterine environment. A study, performed a few years ago at the Skin Science Institute in Cincinnati, revealed that babies who weren`t washed of vernix caseosa after birth confront later with fewer skin problems. Their skin is more hydrated, it`s rarely descaled, and its pH is stabilized more rapidly than the skin of babies who were washed immediately after birth. Besides this major benefit, vernix caseosa also has the ability of healing wounds, acts as an antioxidant, anti-infective as well as a barrier against loss of water of the epidermis.

It Regulates the Body Temperature

It`s known that immediately after birth, babies have issues with thermoregulation, so they are quickly covered in a blanket. Vernix caseosa would relieve us of this particular stress, if we would let it on the baby`s skin. It would be as a layer of clothing that the parents wouldn`t have to put on the baby anymore.

It Reduces the Risk of Getting Sick in Maternity

The protocol in hospitals stipulates the usage of surgical gloves when there`s a risk for the medical personnel to come in contact with the fluids of patients. A newborn who wasn`t washed of vernix caseosa (he was only a bit taped for the protective layer to enter the skin even better) obliges the medical personnel to wear gloves. And a study showed that this reduced the risk of newborns` getting sick in maternities quite a lot. – Check this!

9 Things That You Need to Know about Vernix Caseosa

It`s a Moisturizing Layer

This is the first beauty product used by your body. The thick substance acts as a sealant, protecting the baby`s skin by the drying effects of the amniotic liquid. Without it, the newborn would look like a wrinkled plum.

It`s a Lubricant

The slippery substance also has lubricant functions, helping the baby to get your more easily at birth.

It`s the Baby`s First Blanket

The covering layer with a cheesy texture keeps the baby warm, helping to the maintenance of proper warm of the baby by isolating his body.

It`s Specific to Human Beings

Humans are the only ones how have babies covered in vernix caseosa.

It Attenuates the Sounds

Although babies will begin hearing voices starting with the week 25 of pregnancy, the sound is pretty dull, because their ears are covered in vernix caseosa, which attenuates the sounds.

Sometimes It`s Missing

In case that your baby is born after term, this layer may not be enough or may lack completely. The reason is because it was probably absorbed completely by the amniotic fluid.

You Don`t Need to Wipe It Out Immediately

You don`t need to hurry and wipe out the protective layer from your baby`s skin immediately. Studies show that the removal of the substance isn`t necessary for reasons of hygiene and if you leave it on the little one`s skin, it can offer lots of benefits regarding the wounds` healing, not to mention that it has an antibacterial effect. The World Health Organization recommends delaying the baby`s first bath for 24 hours.

It Isn`t Always White

In case that this substance isn`t white milky as you would expect and it has a greenish-yellowish color, it shows that the baby has already passed meconium, the first elimination of faeces. And it`s also a good indicator of the fact that you should delete this substance from the little one.

It`s Distributed in Folds

Don`t be surprised if you`ll find this sticky substance hidden among the baby`s wrinkles. This substance “likes” to hide in the vagina pleats for several days or even weeks, but it can be wiped out easily.

Image courtesy of sickkids.ca

Show Comments

2,058 Comments

  1. Stromvar June 4, 2022
    • Emikify February 26, 2023
    • Ethigue April 25, 2023
    • embarry May 28, 2023
    • embarry June 8, 2023
    • wshsCS August 9, 2023
  2. RalphLep June 6, 2022
    • Iodindila May 5, 2023
    • EPpFtb July 21, 2023
  3. ChesterDyesy June 7, 2022
    • Emikify March 8, 2023
    • Gyngeassy May 4, 2023
    • embarry June 3, 2023
    • oBkGgW July 15, 2023
    • qqfbaLj August 18, 2023
  4. IverDarm June 7, 2022
  5. Zcjlyy June 26, 2022
    • Unrelia May 20, 2023
    • gissuri June 27, 2023
    • hUIbuAKYR August 7, 2023
  6. Seo Agency Pricing August 14, 2022
    • xMoHefb July 7, 2023
  7. friv4school2017.org August 15, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 5, 2023
    • cloravy April 29, 2023
    • gissuri June 1, 2023
    • UvuGUF July 14, 2023
  8. Getjosette.Com August 15, 2022
    • Peeguic May 23, 2023
    • Rublips June 23, 2023
    • SHeYeQ August 11, 2023
  9. Gmtunetime.Com August 15, 2022
    • UncomeRem February 21, 2023
    • cloravy April 21, 2023
    • gissuri May 24, 2023
    • gissuri June 5, 2023
    • wfamVfd July 1, 2023
  10. salonnouvelleville.com August 15, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 20, 2023
    • Unrelia May 12, 2023
    • gissuri June 18, 2023
    • zoIZHAC July 28, 2023
  11. Volvooceanadventure.Org August 15, 2022
    • Peeguic May 28, 2023
    • Rublips June 26, 2023
    • fhwhSMG August 18, 2023
  12. enfield double glazing August 15, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 2, 2023
    • cloravy April 28, 2023
    • gissuri May 30, 2023
    • APjJQM July 12, 2023
  13. Lacikonyha.Com August 15, 2022
    • Emikify February 25, 2023
    • Ethigue April 25, 2023
    • embarry May 28, 2023
    • embarry June 8, 2023
    • KzTFVtFSj August 9, 2023
  14. lindaspalding.Com August 15, 2022
  15. e-Gunlugum.com August 15, 2022
  16. upvc windows In enfield August 15, 2022
    • Emikify March 4, 2023
    • Ethigue April 29, 2023
    • embarry June 1, 2023
    • DCITRBGPG July 12, 2023
    • AyhLuFaRw August 14, 2023
  17. Snvla.org August 15, 2022
    • Emikify February 21, 2023
    • Ethigue April 22, 2023
    • embarry May 24, 2023
    • embarry June 5, 2023
    • SQpOpyHR July 2, 2023
    • VCJVIwGlB August 5, 2023
  18. Eccyclesupply.Com August 16, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 3, 2023
    • cloravy April 28, 2023
    • gissuri May 31, 2023
    • HWGqCQ July 13, 2023
  19. Screenshotworld.com August 16, 2022
  20. Realysgroup.com August 16, 2022
    • Gyngeassy May 16, 2023
    • embarry June 22, 2023
    • QmoIeq July 28, 2023
    • cRRYRdgH September 1, 2023
  21. spokenhand.org August 16, 2022
    • Emikify March 5, 2023
    • Ethigue April 29, 2023
    • embarry June 1, 2023
    • sYYdUO July 12, 2023
    • LefIAgCs August 15, 2023
  22. cinesharp.Com August 16, 2022
  23. enfield window repair August 16, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 9, 2023
    • Unrelia May 4, 2023
    • gissuri June 4, 2023
    • XuuVPvgG July 18, 2023
  24. nevertoolatte.net August 16, 2022
  25. roqyahsh.com August 16, 2022
    • Unrelia May 20, 2023
    • gissuri June 27, 2023
    • nWSMoRN August 7, 2023
  26. Didyouknowarchive.com August 16, 2022
    • Iodindila May 12, 2023
    • evyrkDEDB July 28, 2023
  27. saveouraussieicon.com August 16, 2022
  28. Macauhotelsunsun.Com August 16, 2022
  29. quickswood.com August 16, 2022
  30. enfield window Repairs August 16, 2022
  31. micircc.org August 16, 2022
    • Gyngeassy May 17, 2023
    • embarry June 23, 2023
    • GAVAjCY July 28, 2023
    • aHIVtvcR September 2, 2023
  32. cbd hash For sale Uk August 16, 2022
  33. Strong Cbd Hash August 16, 2022
    • Iodindila May 20, 2023
    • Rublips June 19, 2023
    • ZIPxHL August 7, 2023
  34. Cbd hash uk August 16, 2022
    • Unrelia May 19, 2023
    • gissuri June 26, 2023
    • saHOJW August 6, 2023
  35. cbd hash for Sale uk August 16, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 5, 2023
    • cloravy April 29, 2023
    • gissuri June 1, 2023
    • rDFIKvG July 14, 2023
  36. cbd hash uk legal August 16, 2022
    • Emikify February 21, 2023
    • Ethigue April 22, 2023
    • embarry May 24, 2023
    • embarry June 5, 2023
    • YIYbfa July 2, 2023
    • RStMYLtZJ August 5, 2023
  37. Enfield window repairs August 16, 2022
  38. janeseymourbotanicals.com August 16, 2022
  39. door company enfield August 16, 2022
    • Emikify February 23, 2023
    • Ethigue April 23, 2023
    • embarry May 26, 2023
    • embarry June 7, 2023
    • kzuCAHcc July 4, 2023
    • nchRDTAk August 7, 2023
  40. victorian Doors Enfield August 16, 2022
    • Emikify February 21, 2023
    • Ethigue April 22, 2023
    • embarry May 25, 2023
    • embarry June 6, 2023
    • SyZivADh July 2, 2023
    • yVrUKb August 5, 2023
  41. House Refurbishment enfield August 16, 2022
    • Higuilk April 23, 2023
    • Rublips May 30, 2023
    • Rublips June 6, 2023
    • nyHSgnoS July 5, 2023
  42. upvc windows Enfield August 16, 2022
    • Emikify February 25, 2023
    • Ethigue April 25, 2023
    • embarry May 27, 2023
    • embarry June 8, 2023
    • bXsugLECJ July 6, 2023
    • WcxYnuRpo August 9, 2023
  43. psychiatry private August 16, 2022
    • Gyngeassy May 17, 2023
    • HQgLru July 28, 2023
    • IklgsT September 1, 2023
  44. Taiwantp.Net August 16, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 18, 2023
    • Unrelia May 11, 2023
    • gissuri June 17, 2023
    • zSCPZY July 27, 2023
    • Unrelia May 17, 2023
    • gissuri June 25, 2023
    • lXhtEP August 4, 2023
  45. Quillandtine.com August 16, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 10, 2023
    • Unrelia May 5, 2023
    • GhxtBJ July 20, 2023
  46. cbd hash uk August 16, 2022
    • Emikify February 28, 2023
    • Ethigue April 26, 2023
    • embarry May 29, 2023
    • embarry June 9, 2023
    • ebqLfC July 8, 2023
    • zIAXsZ August 11, 2023
  47. door Company Enfield August 16, 2022
    • UncomeRem February 22, 2023
    • cloravy April 22, 2023
    • gissuri May 25, 2023
    • gissuri June 6, 2023
    • XfUpPMJaf July 3, 2023
  48. adultcareflorida.Net August 17, 2022
    • Unrelia May 15, 2023
    • gissuri June 20, 2023
    • PmFnpj August 1, 2023
  49. Online Psychiatrist August 17, 2022
    • Iodindila May 8, 2023
    • vdIVHW July 25, 2023
    • Gyngeassy May 9, 2023
    • GKheADyEj July 21, 2023
    • OverHTJuJ August 23, 2023
  50. Ibcbetkita.Net August 17, 2022
    • Gyngeassy May 17, 2023
    • embarry June 23, 2023
    • KPVYxh July 29, 2023
    • gOgCbhOT September 2, 2023
  51. mitrajudi.Net August 17, 2022
  52. poin89.site August 17, 2022
    • Emikify March 15, 2023
    • Gyngeassy May 9, 2023
    • gDtZZXQ July 21, 2023
    • iAZMhNC August 23, 2023
  53. online Psychiatric August 17, 2022
    • Higuilk April 22, 2023
    • Rublips May 29, 2023
    • Rublips June 5, 2023
    • jDIBym July 3, 2023
  54. Topuiqq.Online August 17, 2022
  55. Doors Enfield August 17, 2022
  56. Cbd hash For Sale uk August 17, 2022
    • Iodindila May 22, 2023
    • Rublips June 20, 2023
    • jMDOpVXH August 10, 2023
  57. Online Psychiatrist Uk August 17, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 20, 2023
    • Unrelia May 12, 2023
    • gissuri June 18, 2023
    • WrvAfyYtd July 29, 2023
  58. Zoomlar.com August 17, 2022
    • Emikify February 20, 2023
    • Ethigue April 21, 2023
    • embarry May 24, 2023
    • embarry June 5, 2023
    • BFeJEW July 1, 2023
    • llayTri August 4, 2023
  59. cbd hash for Sale uk August 17, 2022
    • Emikify March 2, 2023
    • Ethigue April 28, 2023
    • embarry May 31, 2023
    • sIZPdMs July 10, 2023
    • nnDzgUU August 13, 2023
  60. sugar free edibles near me August 17, 2022
  61. Psychiatrist Private August 17, 2022
    • cloravy April 26, 2023
    • gissuri May 29, 2023
    • KKlwJsm July 10, 2023
  62. upvc Doors in enfield August 17, 2022
    • Iodindila May 7, 2023
    • BvaMQicXe July 23, 2023
    • Unrelia May 17, 2023
    • qVYkUc August 4, 2023
  63. Enfield Window repairs August 17, 2022
    • Emikify March 11, 2023
    • Gyngeassy May 6, 2023
    • bzlRRil July 18, 2023
    • uQddci August 20, 2023
  64. cbd hash shop August 17, 2022
    • Iodindila May 18, 2023
    • Rublips June 18, 2023
    • mwhtDLr August 5, 2023
  65. cbd edibles washington August 17, 2022
  66. private Psychiatry near me August 17, 2022
  67. Online Psychiatrist Test August 17, 2022
    • Gyngeassy May 15, 2023
    • embarry June 22, 2023
    • HVZoUX July 27, 2023
    • HzYlrlJSJ August 31, 2023
  68. memoryhostel.Com August 17, 2022
    • Emikify March 18, 2023
    • Gyngeassy May 11, 2023
    • embarry June 17, 2023
    • NxNvbF July 24, 2023
    • nppkWhw August 26, 2023
  69. cbd oils Near Me August 17, 2022
    • Higuilk April 21, 2023
    • Rublips May 28, 2023
    • Rublips June 5, 2023
    • oscwuq July 1, 2023
  70. upvc doors Enfield August 17, 2022
  71. Private Psychiatric Care August 17, 2022
    • Emikify February 24, 2023
    • Ethigue April 24, 2023
    • embarry May 27, 2023
    • embarry June 7, 2023
    • ThqABJ July 5, 2023
    • PNAoda August 7, 2023
  72. window Fitters bromley August 17, 2022
    • Unrelia May 19, 2023
    • gissuri June 26, 2023
    • XNQNBmyd August 6, 2023
  73. Buy cbd Hash August 17, 2022
  74. Double glazing In luton August 17, 2022
    • Iodindila May 6, 2023
    • MxdJXCjz July 21, 2023
  75. bolshakovo.ru August 17, 2022
  76. Enfield Window Repairs August 17, 2022
    • Ethigue April 21, 2023
    • embarry May 24, 2023
    • embarry June 5, 2023
    • NEMHrV July 1, 2023
    • mRAfFQII August 4, 2023
  77. latest mens Aftershave August 17, 2022
  78. private psychiatrist August 17, 2022
  79. 1Dpg.Biz August 17, 2022
  80. Cg.org.au August 17, 2022
  81. Top Perfumes For Women August 17, 2022
    • Iodindila May 7, 2023
    • fRosxI July 23, 2023
  82. Private Psychiatry August 17, 2022
  83. Upvc doors enfield August 17, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 4, 2023
    • cloravy April 28, 2023
    • gissuri May 31, 2023
    • VPGIJhYSa July 13, 2023
  84. private mental health August 17, 2022
  85. composite doors luton August 17, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 21, 2023
    • Unrelia May 13, 2023
  86. Zoila August 17, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 20, 2023
    • Unrelia May 13, 2023
    • gissuri June 19, 2023
    • EuYsQedx July 29, 2023
    • Unrelia May 19, 2023
    • gissuri June 26, 2023
    • zndDhzxOu August 7, 2023
  87. psychiatrist Private August 17, 2022
    • Unrelia May 18, 2023
    • gissuri June 26, 2023
    • wgNuQTNK August 6, 2023
    • UncomeRem March 4, 2023
    • cloravy April 29, 2023
    • gissuri May 31, 2023
    • OGMwDLY July 13, 2023
  88. best cbd tincture oils August 17, 2022
    • UncomeRem February 28, 2023
    • cloravy April 26, 2023
    • gissuri May 29, 2023
    • GmRTsCls July 10, 2023
  89. garage door Repairs bromley August 17, 2022
    • Emikify March 1, 2023
    • Ethigue April 27, 2023
    • embarry May 29, 2023
    • oKbEtIo July 8, 2023
    • sbjyiSYY August 11, 2023
  90. Suzette August 17, 2022
    • Emikify March 13, 2023
    • Gyngeassy May 8, 2023
    • JpqgoexO July 20, 2023
    • yDPWrnto August 22, 2023
  91. Tvhgallery.com August 17, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 18, 2023
    • Unrelia May 11, 2023
    • gissuri June 17, 2023
    • yDnEJKou July 27, 2023
    • Iodindila May 17, 2023
    • Rublips June 17, 2023
    • bHTAVdN August 4, 2023
  92. Strong cbd hash August 18, 2022
    • Unrelia May 19, 2023
    • gissuri June 27, 2023
    • WULluOCrj August 7, 2023
  93. window Repair luton August 18, 2022
    • Iodindila May 7, 2023
    • sQqbzyyl July 24, 2023
  94. Artisanhomes.Org August 18, 2022
    • Emikify March 18, 2023
    • Gyngeassy May 11, 2023
    • embarry June 17, 2023
    • EefeRI July 24, 2023
    • NUHbGlAU August 26, 2023
  95. Sbjmk.com August 18, 2022
    • Unrelia May 18, 2023
    • gissuri June 26, 2023
    • iEebETW August 6, 2023
  96. Glass Repair enfield August 18, 2022
  97. poin.site August 18, 2022
  98. Cbd oils Online August 18, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 18, 2023
    • Unrelia May 11, 2023
    • gissuri June 17, 2023
    • zZjjEq July 27, 2023
  99. Cheap Cbd Oils August 18, 2022
  100. Windows Enfield August 18, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 12, 2023
    • Unrelia May 7, 2023
    • VGMFMOm July 23, 2023
  101. Bromley Windows August 18, 2022
    • UncomeRem March 16, 2023
    • Unrelia May 10, 2023
    • pgPOgdIQ July 26, 2023
  102. window Doctor bromley August 18, 2022
    • Emikify March 11, 2023
    • Gyngeassy May 6, 2023
    • utlfWe July 18, 2023
    • VAWHNspqU August 21, 2023
  103. penyerang.Org August 18, 2022
    • Iodindila May 14, 2023
    • SbQLTJ July 31, 2023
  104. Private Psychiatry August 18, 2022
    • Unrelia May 17, 2023
    • gissuri June 24, 2023
    • rlIfyBC August 4, 2023
    • UncomeRem February 25, 2023
    • cloravy April 24, 2023
    • gissuri May 27, 2023
    • gissuri June 8, 2023
  105. psychiatry online Uk August 18, 2022
  106. Lindaspalding.Com August 18, 2022
    • Iodindila May 21, 2023
    • Rublips June 19, 2023
    • eEakpQgq August 8, 2023
  107. Online psychiatric August 18, 2022