What should I pay attention to when removing vernix caseosa from my baby’s labia?

Vernix caseosa refers to a type of fat that is present at birth and protects the baby by reducing the amount of heat dissipated from the baby's body. Labia vernix, as the name suggests, is a type of vernix located on the labia of a girl. Generally speaking, vernix caseosa can be absorbed by itself and there is no need to wipe it off. But if it does not fall off for a long time, parents need to wipe it off according to certain methods. Here we will introduce to you what you need to pay attention to when removing labia vernix.

What is vernix caseosa?

There is a layer of white greasy substance on the skin of a newborn baby. Some parts have more, some parts have less. This is the fat brought from the mother's belly, medically known as "vernix caseosa". This thick layer of vernix caseosa will usually be absorbed by itself within 1-2 days after birth, so there is no need to wipe it off.

The role of vernix caseosa

1. A thin layer of vernix caseosa on the fetus protects the fetal skin from the infiltration of amniotic fluid. Without this layer of vernix caseosa, the fetal skin would have already ulcerated. It can still protect the skin after birth.

2. After birth, the temperature of the environment is lower, and the body's heat needs to be dissipated to the surroundings, causing the body temperature to drop. This layer of vernix caseosa reduces the dissipation of body heat and maintains a constant body temperature.

How to remove vernix caseosa?

Generally, it begins to be gradually absorbed or fall off a few hours after birth and does not need to be removed manually. However, for some newborns, the vernix caseosa does not fall off on its own for a long time after birth, but instead accumulates more and more, forming a thick layer of milk crust on the newborn's scalp. If it is not removed in time, it may cause skin erosion in the newborn and cause discomfort to the child. The best solution is to bathe your newborn every day for the first few days after birth. You can wash with warm water and change underwear every day; you can use a cotton swab dipped in moisturizing oil to gently wipe the top of your head and underarms to remove the vernix caseosa, and apply a little talcum powder to keep your body dry.

When cleaning, be gentle, do not scratch it with your fingernails or use a comb to avoid damaging the scalp and causing infection. The fontanelle can be cleaned and as long as the action is gentle it will not cause any harm to the baby. After cleaning, be sure to wipe the baby's head dry with a dry towel. In winter, you can put on a small hat or cover the head with a towel after cleaning to prevent the baby from catching cold.