NURSING INTERVENTIONS IN THE PREVENTION OF SKIN LESIONS IN NEWBORNS IN THE NEONATAL ICU: INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Pressure injuries (PUs) are characterized as superficial or deep damage resulting from the lack of oxygen and/or nutrients in a specific area to meet tissue needs due to pressure applied to the tissue. Skin injuries in newborns in the NICU are caused by factors such as time spent in incubators, friction with equipment, and excessive handling. They can result in abrasions or serious wounds, increasing the risk of infection and compromising the baby's development, in addition to prolonging the NICU stay. Objective: To analyze the literature on how nursing interventions contribute to the prevention of skin injuries in newborns admitted to the NICU. Methodology: Integrative review. Data collection took place between September and October 2025, in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) through the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) databases, based on descriptors indexed in the Health Sciences Descriptor System (DeCS/MeSH): newborn, nursing care, Neonatal ICU, and skin, associated with the Boolean "and." The inclusion criteria adopted were: articles published in the last 10 years, articles available free of charge in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Duplicate articles, monographs, incomplete articles, and dissertations were excluded. Results and discussion: The results were presented objectively, prioritizing clarity about nursing interventions in the prevention of skin lesions in newborns in the neonatal ICU. Nursing plays an essential role in this process, implementing practices such as the use of protective dressings, moisturizing oils, careful placement of devices (such as CPAP and PICC catheters), and frequent position changes. Furthermore, it is essential that nurses provide humane, evidence-based care and personalized guidance to families. Conclusion: The study highlighted that nursing staff must act cautiously and with scientific support to prevent skin lesions in newborns admitted to the NICU, improving their quality of life and preventing prolonged hospitalizations. It also highlights the importance of further studies on protection and early detection of risks to newborn skin.