Question
My baby is five days old and has a slight yellowing of the skin. What could be the cause?
Answer
Based on the description, your baby may have physiological jaundice, a common phenomenon in newborns. Typically, physiological jaundice appears within 2 to 3 days after birth and subsides around 10 days later. This type of jaundice is caused by the underdeveloped liver of newborns, leading to poor bilirubin metabolism and excessive bilirubin production in the newborn’s body. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Therefore, you need not worry too much; it is recommended that you take care to keep your baby warm during this time, adjusting clothing according to weather changes to prevent your baby from catching a cold.