Question
My child was born a few days ago and their face is yellowish. The jaundice is hard to fade. I have already taken my child for blue light therapy. Is there any effect on the child? How many times can a child be treated with blue light?
Answer
Newborn jaundice refers to the condition where, due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism during the neonatal period, bilirubin levels in the blood rise, leading to yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae. This is one of the most common clinical issues in newborns. The disease can be categorized into physiological and pathological types. Pathological jaundice must be treated with blue light therapy, which is administered for 2-48 hours (usually not exceeding 4 days) either continuously or intermittently until bilirubin levels drop below 7mg/ml.