Question
Does facial yellowing within one to two weeks after a newborn’s birth indicate the presence of newborn jaundice?
Answer
Newborn jaundice can indeed lead to yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism during the neonatal period, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. This condition can be categorized into physiological and pathological types. Mild jaundice may be limited to the face and neck, or it can extend to the trunk. Yellowing of the sclera usually subsides after 2 to 3 days, and the skin color returns to normal after 5 to 6 days. If symptoms are severe, jaundice may affect the entire body. Therefore, facial yellowing can indeed be one of the manifestations of newborn jaundice, but it requires a comprehensive assessment of other symptoms and medical examinations for diagnosis.