Question
How long should a baby be exposed to the sun when suffering from newborn jaundice?
Answer
Newborn jaundice refers to a condition in the neonatal period where an abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae. It is one of the most common clinical issues in infants. This condition can be categorized into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice typically does not require special treatment, whereas pathological jaundice necessitates blue light therapy for bilirubin reduction. Since the effectiveness of sunbathing for jaundice reduction is not ideal, it is not recommended as the primary treatment method. If sunbathing is necessary, it should be done under medical guidance and with proper protection for the baby’s skin and eyes.