Question
How long does neonatal physiological jaundice usually last?
Answer
Generally, about 60% of full-term infants and 80% of premature infants will have physiological jaundice. The jaundice in full-term infants typically begins to fade within a week after birth and usually disappears completely within two weeks. The jaundice in premature infants may start to fade within two weeks but usually does not exceed four weeks. Mild jaundice can be treated with increased sun exposure and oral medications, while moderate or severe jaundice may require phototherapy or injections of albumin and immunoglobulins.