Question
A 25-day-old female infant has not yet fully recovered from her jaundice symptoms, but they have improved compared to earlier. Currently, only her face appears yellow, while her hands, feet, and other body parts are normal, ruling out pathological jaundice. She visited the hospital today, and the doctor stated that due to the infant’s young age, blood tests are not advisable.
Answer
For most newborns, jaundice is not a disease and poses no danger. Infants may develop jaundice within the first 3 days after birth, which is caused by the rapid breakdown of red blood cells in the short period following birth. During red blood cell breakdown, a pigment called bilirubin is produced, causing the baby’s skin to turn yellow. Since the liver of a newborn is not fully matured within the first week, it cannot effectively excrete bilirubin, leading to jaundice symptoms. Treatment for jaundice includes exposure to ultraviolet light. In fact, even without treatment, infants may naturally recover within one week. However, if there is an incompatibility between the mother’s and the baby’s blood types, severe jaundice may occur.