Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which characteristic is NOT true for newborn skin?

1. No scars up to the second trimester

2. 30% thinner than adult skin

3. Higher percentage of body fat

4. Faster epidermal turnover

The correct answer is: Higher percentage of body fat

Newborn skin does indeed have distinct characteristics that differentiate it from adult skin. The fact that newborn skin is thinner—about 30% thinner than adult skin—reflects its vulnerability and the need for extra care. The process of epidermal turnover is also more rapid in newborns than in adults, promoting healing and the shedding of dead skin cells effectively. However, the statement regarding a higher percentage of body fat in newborns is not accurate in the context of skin characteristics. While newborns do have some subcutaneous fat, their body fat percentage is relatively low when compared to adults. Most of the body composition in newborns includes water, which is critical for skin hydration. Therefore, the claim that newborns have a higher percentage of body fat does not align with common understanding in dermatology, making it the characteristic that is not true for newborn skin. This distinction is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize as it can affect clinical approaches to wound care and skin management in this vulnerable population.