Application of hydrogel dressings on skin injuries of newborns admitted to the neonatal unit

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17267/2317-3378rec.2025.e6435

Keywords:

Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Newborn, Neonatal Nursing, Skin, Hydrocolloid Dressings

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a hydrogel dressing developed and produced by the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares – IPEN) in the treatment of skin lesions in newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. METHOD: This is a prospective descriptive case series study of newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in the city of São Paulo. Data collection took place between June 2021 and December 2021. The lesions were classified according to grade, type, and stage; inflammatory signs were observed; pain parameters during application and removal; and time to wound closure were identified. The images recorded refer to the first day until skin repair. RESULTS: This article presents three cases of newborns with skin injuries due to pressure injury, burn injury and skin tear. They showed progression to complete skin repair and integrity, without the need for therapeutic changes, and the scale demonstrated an absence of pain during the procedures. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian hydrogel dressing demonstrated positive effect in treating skin lesions in newborns without pain. The evidence suggests its use in neonatology is promising, as it provides a favorable environment for healing in this population, where frailty poses a challenge for neonatal nurses.

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References

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Published

06/02/2026

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Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

1.
Zeballos SF, Alcântara MTS, Lugão AB. Application of hydrogel dressings on skin injuries of newborns admitted to the neonatal unit. Rev Enf Contemp [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 2 [cited 2026 Jun. 13];15:e6435. Available from: https://journals.bahiana.edu.br/index.php/enfermagem/article/view/6435