Abstract

FONTENELE, Fernanda Cavalcante; PAGLIUCA, Lorita Marlena Freitag  and  CARDOSO, Maria Vera Lúcia Moreira Leitão. Skin care of the newborn: concept analysis. Esc. Anna Nery [online]. 2012, vol.16, n.3, pp. 480-485. ISSN 1414-8145.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1414-81452012000300008.

The focus of nursing care is the care to human beings. In neonatology, taking care of skin of newborns is priority. The objective was to analyze the concept of skin care to newborns. Theoretical and methodological framework used: Rodgers' Concept Analysis Model which allowed analyzing background, attributes and consequences of the concept studied. The backgrounds identified were: prematurity, infection risk, monitoring, environmental factors, physiological changes, antiseptics, intensive care, invasive procedures, injury, physical examination and low weight. The attributes were: continuous, individualized, dynamic, efficient, careful, gentle, humane, safe, full, priority, immediate, and standardized. Consequences: prevents injuries, maintains healthy skin, improves skin condition, the clinical and circulation status, water loss control, prevents infection and provides comfort. This method offers a support to consolidate the knowledge. The concept analysis revealed significant association with premature birth and risk of infection, regarding the characteristics over time.

Keywords : Concept formation; Nursing care; Infant, newborn; Skin.