Question
My child was born with jaundice, with a bilirubin level of 12. The doctor prescribed some medication and advised us to expose the baby to more sunlight. But where is the sun in winter? What should we do about newborn jaundice during the winter when there’s no sun to bask in?
Answer
Jaundice refers to a condition in the neonatal period where an abnormal metabolism of bilirubin leads to an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in a yellowish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera, which is one of the most common clinical problems in newborns. This condition can be classified into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice is a temporary condition caused solely by the characteristics of bilirubin metabolism and usually appears 2-3 days after birth, reaches its peak between 4-6 days, and subsides between 7-10 days. Premature infants may experience it for a longer duration. It is recommended to seek medical guidance and treatment after examination, and follow-ups are also necessary.