Early scientific studies indicated increased evaporative heat loss in infants when vernix was removed soon after birth; but newer reports confirm that washing skin surface after birth reduces evaporative water losses compared to surface of newborns in which vernix is left in situ.
Early scientific studies indicated increased evaporative heat loss in infants when vernix was removed soon after birth; Saunders C. The vernix caseosa and subnormal temperature in premature infants. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1948; 55:442--444 but newer reports confirm that washing skin surface after birth reduces evaporative water losses compared to surface of newborns in which vernix is left in situ.