Question

What is the thin white film on a baby’s body at birth? Previous treatment situations and effects: It disappeared after a while on its own. What kind of help do I want to get: What is this all about?

Answer

This film is vernix caseosa, a normal occurrence. When a baby is born, they will have a thin, milky white oil-like substance and vernix caseosa on their bodies, which is composed of the secretions of the sebaceous glands and shed epidermal cells. The vernix caseosa in the mother’s body helps protect the baby’s skin from amniotic fluid contamination, and after birth, it helps protect the skin and maintain body temperature. Generally speaking, this layer of vernix caseosa will decompose naturally within 1-2 days after birth.