Topical Coconut Oil

In a prior trial of 72 extremely preterm infants, twice-daily topical coconut oil improved Neonatal Skin Condition Scores compared with routine care. Coconut oil is considered safe for extremely preterm infants and may reduce late-onset sepsis. The rationale for topical coconut oil includes skin barrier improvement, antimicrobial effects, possible anti-inflammatory activity, and safety evidence. Published randomized trials in more than 3000 preterm infants reported no adverse events from topical coconut oil in newborns. Topical coconut oil is the intervention tested in COSI-2 in addition to routine skin care.