Question
When a newborn shows signs of jaundice, doctors recommend taking the child outside on sunny days. How should one correctly sunbathe a newborn with high jaundice?
Answer
Newborn jaundice is caused by an abnormal metabolism of bilirubin during the neonatal period, leading to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood and resulting in clinical symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. This condition can be divided into two main categories: physiological and pathological. Physiological jaundice is a temporary jaundice caused solely by the characteristics of bilirubin metabolism and usually occurs 2-3 days after birth, reaching its peak between 4-6 days and subsiding between 7-10 days. Premature infants may experience it for a longer duration, with only mild symptoms such as poor appetite. Participating in outdoor activities can help lower bilirubin levels, but direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided. It is suggested to only expose the baby’s hands, feet, buttocks, and other areas to the sun to achieve this reduction