Question
My newborn has red spots and keeps spitting up. I’m not sure what’s going on. How can I prevent neonatal jaundice?
Answer
Your baby’s condition might be physiological jaundice, which is mild and often appears as a pale yellow color, confined to the face and neck or may extend to the trunk. The conjunctiva of the eyes may also turn yellow, and it usually resolves within 2 to 3 days, with the skin color returning to normal by the 5th to 6th day. In severe cases, jaundice can affect the entire body from head to toe, and even vomit and cerebrospinal fluid can become yellowish. This condition may last for more than a week, especially in premature infants who can experience it for up to 4 weeks. Their stools remain yellow, and there is no bilirubin in the urine. Blue light therapy is recommended and has been shown to be effective.