Question

After a newborn’s birth, three to four days later, parents notice their child’s hands and feet turning yellow. Is this a sign of jaundice?

Answer

Neonatal jaundice is a common clinical condition, primarily caused by abnormal bilirubin metabolism during the neonatal period, leading to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, which in turn causes yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. This condition can be categorized into two types: physiological and pathological. Mild jaundice is usually limited to the face and neck, or may affect the trunk, with the yellowing of the sclera usually subsiding after 2-3 days and the skin color returning to normal after 5-6 days. In severe cases, jaundice may first spread to the entire body, including hands and feet, then to the head. Therefore, the yellowing of a newborn’s hands and feet can indeed be one of the symptoms of jaundice.