Dear Doctors, Is vernix caseosa of any important in newly born children By vernix caseosa, I mean the greasy (butter colour Scales) deposit covering the skin of a baby at childbirth.
Dr Aina Johnson

Paediatrician

Babies have wrinkled skin at birth because the surface of a new born baby's skin contains a coating called vernix caseosa which serves as protective layer and will be off by itself in a few days.
The vernix caseosa can also protect a newborn from infections after birth. This is because the coating contains antioxidants, as well as anti-infection and anti-inflammatory properties.