The baby’s skin is yellow, and I’m worried it might be jaundice. What symptoms does neonatal jaundice have?

Understand the common symptoms of neonatal jaundice, including duration, yellow skin distribution, and treatment methods.

The symptoms of neonatal jaundice include a yellowish appearance of the skin and eyes.

The symptoms of neonatal jaundice may include yellowing of the cheeks and neck, which may gradually spread to the entire body. In severe cases, it may last for more than a week. Abnormal bile color may indicate neonatal hepatitis or bile duct obstruction.

Understand the common symptoms of neonatal physiological jaundice, including skin and mucous membrane yellowing, as well as the development and regression process of jaundice.

Neonatal physiological jaundice is usually mild, primarily manifesting on the face and neck, and may spread to the trunk. The skin and eyes may turn yellow. Symptoms typically appear 2 to 3 days after birth and usually subside within 5 to 6 days. Severe physiological jaundice may last longer, but generally does not exceed a week. The color of jaundice can range from light yellow to darker shades, but the skin remains rosy. Symptoms usually do not appear in the distal parts of the arms and legs.

Newborn jaundice typically has a transcutaneous bilirubin level below 10 (values may vary slightly due to different instruments); if blood is drawn to measure the bilirubin level in the blood, the normal value is usually below 205 umol/l (12 mg/dl). The normal total bilirubin level for a 30-day-old infant ranges from 1.7 to 17.1 umol/l (0.1 to 1.0 mg/dl). Direct bilirubin is between 0 to 6.8 umol/l (0 to 0.4 mg/dl), and indirect bilirubin is between 1.7 to 10.2 umol/l (0.1 to 0.6 mg/dl). Urinalysis is necessary to determine the true bilirubin level, as transcutaneous bilirubin measurement can be affected by the child’s skin color and body fat thickness.

The treatment for neonatal jaundice may include blue light therapy and medication. The specific duration of the therapy depends on the type and severity of the condition, and it is recommended to consult with a doctor for an accurate treatment plan. At the same time, maintaining hygiene and environmental health, a mother’s diet should be light, and adequate rest is beneficial for the baby’s gradual recovery.

Explore the warning signs of neonatal jaundice and the relationship between MRI results and kernicterus.

My baby is now over ten days old and has a particularly yellow complexion. Moreover, their eyes are also yellow. I would like to ask what could be the cause of the newborn’s high jaundice?