I seek comments from the authors on some issues contained in informative and interesting article on skin care for the newborn(1).

It is stated that shampoos should have minimal time of contact with the scalp to avoid irritant dermatitis. Regarding baby bath the authors have stated that the bath of the newborn should not last more than 5 minutes, prolonged bath increases the hydration of the skin and reduces the threshold for friction. Similarly recommended minimum and maximum time period for shampoo application to scalp should be advised.

It is stated that pH of the shampoo should be close to that of tears, but the authors have not mentioned the pH range of the tears. Some doctors may not remember pH of the tears which is 7.1 - 7.4. The workshop had been sponsored by Johnson and Johnson Ltd, a manufacturer of baby care products. I examined the shampoo, baby soap and baby oil produced by Johnson and Johnson. To my utter surprise none of these items mentioned pH on the labels of these products. How to choose the right shampoo etc, for care of skin of newborn babies?

Regarding composition of vernix caseosa, it is stated that it is composed of water 81%, lipid 19% and proteins 10%; the total adds to 110.

We thank the author for his pertinent comments regarding the article. Although the exact duration of time of application of shampoo on the baby’s scalp is not discussed in the literature, a baby shampoo should not be used more than once a week. Only a small blob of shampoo should be used to form a lather and then rinsed off within few minutes.

It is really unfortunate that the manufacturers fail to mention the pH and ingredients on the label of baby shampoos to enable us to choose a good shampoo for the newborn. Consumer activation is essential to make a change.

The correct composition of vernix caseosa should read 9% lipids,81% water and 10% proteins which makes a total of 100%(1).

Rashmi Sarkar and Piyush Gupta

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