Question
Why does newborn jaundice take so long to disappear? Are there any methods to make the jaundice fade faster?
Answer
Newborns may develop skin jaundice within the first week after birth, which is caused by bilirubin accumulation on the skin surface and is medically referred to as neonatal jaundice. This type of jaundice can be physiological, which means it can resolve on its own without specific treatment. Pathological jaundice, on the other hand, is caused by diseases that lead to abnormal bilirubin metabolism. Pathological jaundice can be infectious or non-infectious. Infectious jaundice can be caused by bacterial and other pathogen infections, such as viruses, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, etc.; non-infectious jaundice includes conditions like hemolytic jaundice, biliary obstruction, and genetic diseases. Additionally, there is a type known as breastmilk jaundice, which is characterized by a higher degree of jaundice than physiological levels, a longer duration, but generally the baby is in good condition with no other causes of jaundice. Jaundice becomes significantly worse 3 days after breastfeeding is stopped. Breastmilk jaundice is related to the reabsorption of bilirubin in the intestines. Breastmilk jaundice usually does not lead to bilirubin encephalopathy. However, it is important to note that a definitive diagnosis of breastmilk jaundice must first rule out pathological jaundice.