Question
If a newborn is diagnosed with jaundice and requires blue light therapy, how long does the treatment typically need to continue before it becomes effective?
Answer
The blue light treatment for newborn jaundice is usually administered for 8 to 12 hours daily. The specific duration of treatment depends on the severity of the jaundice and how quickly the bilirubin levels decrease, resulting in individual differences. Blue light therapy is an economical, safe, and effective treatment that can reduce the level of free bilirubin in the body and prevent bilirubin brain damage. Parents should not be overly concerned and should follow the doctor’s instructions, closely monitoring the treatment process.