Question
A newborn under one month old shows signs of jaundice with the lips appearing dark red. Is this related to jaundice?
Answer
Neonatal jaundice primarily occurs due to elevated bilirubin levels in the body, leading to yellowing of the skin, eyes, and sclera. Bilirubin is a product of the aging and decomposition of red blood cells. If bilirubin levels are too high, exceeding the liver’s processing capacity, the liver cells’ ability to process bilirubin decreases, and bilirubin cannot be excreted from the body, causing jaundice. Neonatal jaundice refers to the condition where an infant’s skin, eyes, and urine turn yellow after birth, known as fetal jaundice in traditional Chinese medicine. As for lip redness, if there is no direct connection, parents should actively regulate and observe their baby’s symptoms while also actively treating the jaundice. If there are concerns about the baby’s condition, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor to obtain