Vernix Caseosa is quite common among new born babies. It is nothing but the white cheesy formation found on the skin of a baby soon after its birth. Contrary to the popular belief, Vernix Caseosa is not a skin disease. It is rather a protective covering for the sensitive skin of the child. The v thus formed on the skin can be easily removed by washing off the skin of the baby with warm water and antiseptic lotion. Doctors often recommend oiling and massaging to the new born if one wants to get rid of the Vernix Caseosa very soon.
Formation of Vernix Caseosa
The amniotic fluid where the embryo lies is highly acidic. Continuous exposure to the liquid leaves a drying and dehydrated effect on the skin. Hence, the sebaceous glands in the utero form a protective sebum coating for the skin of the baby. This skin not only leaves the kin of the child oily but also prevents dehydration of the skin. The sebum coating is also rich in antibacterial ingredients. This natural coating once exposed to normal temperature outside the womb, puts up a waxy appearance. The vernix is nothing but a combination of the sebum and the cells that appear on the fetus' skin. Sebum is the oil released by the pores of the skin present in human beings. As humans grow older release of sebum decreases and wrinkles appear. But for the Vernix Caseosa a baby too would have been born with a wrinkled skin.
In order to get rid of the Vernix Caseosa the new born baby is often allowed a warm water bath. This bath and exposure to non acidic liquids automatically helps in shedding off the Vernix Caseosa. For this reason, many babies appear to be too fair after birth. The actual skin color of the baby may be finally noticed after two weeks of birth. During this time the skin of the baby adapts itself to the new environment.
Absence of Vernix Caseosa in other Mammals
Biological studies conducted across the world reveal that no other mammal including apes are born with such Vernix Caseosa. Sea animals on the other hand are often born with a oily protective covering. This helps them in conducting all kinds of aquatic movement. While most fish are born with scales seals and penguins too are born with a protective oil covering on their skin. Many scientists are of the opinion that a prolonged period of semi aquatic phase of history is responsible for the formation of Vernix Caseosa in human babies.
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