Routine Emollient Therapy with Coconut Oil in Preterm Infants and Allergic Sensitization at 1-Year Corrected Age

Introduction: Skin care for very and extremely preterm infant is an important and previously underappreciated topic. Coconut oil skin care for preterm infants is a promising option, but several important questions remain including the theoretical potential for allergic sensitization. Methods: This prospective study conducted skin prick testing and allergy questionnaires in a cohort of very preterm infants who received routine skin care with virgin coconut oil during their neonatal admission. Results: Ninety infants (median GA 28.2 weeks, median BW1, 048g) were assessed at corrected age 15 months. A total of 8 children had positive skin prick tests to 1 or more of the most common allergens (egg, peanut, cashew, dust mite). No child was sensitized to coconut oil or extract. Conclusions: We did not find evidence of allergic sensitization following neonatal skin care with coconut oil in children born preterm.