Question
A male infant developed facial jaundice 15 days after birth, which subsided 18 days later. However, the jaundice recurred at 23 days old, accompanied by a blue tint on the lips. No treatment has been administered. The parents are concerned about the cause of the blue lips and seek professional advice.
Answer
Blue lips are typically a result of reduced oxygen content in hemoglobin in the blood, a condition more common in certain lung and heart diseases. If a newborn exhibits this symptom, the possibility of congenital heart disease should be considered. Jaundice itself usually does not cause blue lips. It is advisable to actively seek medical institutions for examination to determine the specific cause and to receive appropriate treatment as recommended by the doctor. Parents should closely monitor their child’s changes and seek medical attention promptly.