How should newborns with jaundice sunbathe?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Generally, when we say that the jaundice level is high, doctors might suggest sunbathing when it approaches pathological values, and possibly taking probiotics with live bacteria to help the baby recover from jaundice. Normally, for sunbathing, it is advised not to do it through glass, and to expose the skin directly to the sun, but you should not expose the baby's eyes directly to the sun because the ultraviolet rays are too strong and may damage the eyes. Additionally, when sunbathing, if it is during the cooler seasons like winter, spring, or autumn, it is important to ensure the baby does not catch a cold. If it is summer, avoid sunbathing during times when the sun is too strong, as the baby's delicate skin might get sunburned, potentially causing harm. Therefore, it is generally best to choose conditions when the temperature is mild and the wind is not too strong, then pay attention to keeping warm or avoiding sunburn. Generally, it is not recommended to use sunscreen or shade for sunbathing; direct exposure of the skin is needed. Parents should consider the actual condition of the disease and try to make the baby as comfortable as possible, avoiding colds or sunburn. If sunbathing is not effective, it is advisable to promptly visit the hospital for a doctor to determine if treatment intervention is necessary.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
31sec home-news-image

Does neonatal jaundice recede from the forehead first?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common phenomena in newborns, with about 80% of full-term infants visibly exhibiting jaundice. Typically, the development of jaundice begins in the facial area and gradually extends to the trunk and limbs. Its reduction follows the reverse pattern, generally receding from the limbs to the trunk and then slowly to the facial area. Usually, if the face no longer appears yellow, the jaundice has essentially subsided.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min home-news-image

When does neonatal jaundice go away?

Neonatal jaundice is a common phenomenon in the newborn period, with 80% of full-term infants visibly exhibiting jaundice. Jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. In full-term infants, physiological jaundice generally lasts about two weeks and ordinarily subsides within that time. For preterm infants, it typically does not last more than four weeks. However, if the jaundice progresses quickly, appears early, and is severe, reaching pathological levels, intervention and treatment are necessary. The duration of jaundice can vary depending on the baby’s condition. Without intervention, the duration of jaundice may be prolonged. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly monitor jaundice and actively intervene with treatment if abnormalities are present.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 18sec home-news-image

How long should a newborn with jaundice be exposed to sunlight each day?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, usually appearing early in the neonatal period. It is normal for babies to exhibit signs of jaundice, typically appearing on days 2-3, peaking around days 4-5, and then subsiding within two weeks. If the baby's jaundice levels are high and close to pathological values during the peak period, it's advisable to expose them to some sunlight. It's recommended to sunbathe the baby during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is gentle but not too hot or too cold outside, and when there is not much wind. Sunbathing for jaundice requires direct skin exposure without the interference of glass, so ideal times are from 10 to 11 A.M. or between 3 to 4 P.M., usually for about half an hour to one hour. Care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight on the eyes and if the skin shows obvious signs of reddening, sun exposure should be stopped to prevent sunburn, as newborn skin is delicate. If jaundice seems significantly worse or rebounds noticeably, it is recommended to see a doctor who can decide if medical intervention is necessary and treat the condition promptly.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Will neonatal jaundice recur?

Neonatal jaundice is a common symptom during the newborn period. It can be a symptom of normal growth and development or an indication of certain diseases. Jaundice is divided into physiological and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice generally appears two to three days after birth, reaches its peak around four to five days, and subsides around ten days. Generally, the duration of jaundice in babies does not exceed two weeks, and the situation is usually manageable. Once physiological jaundice has subsided, it does not recur. If jaundice reappears after it has completely resolved, it is necessary to be cautious as it may indicate pathological jaundice. In such cases, it is advisable to visit the hospital where doctors can conduct relevant tests based on the baby's condition. If it is confirmed that the pathological jaundice needs treatment, it is recommended to intervene and treat it early.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can newborns with jaundice drink water?

Neonatal jaundice is one of the common symptoms in newborns, especially in the early stages. It can be categorized into physiological and pathological jaundice. If it is early-stage neonatal jaundice, the general condition of the infant is still good, but the progression of jaundice can be quick with noticeable reduction in urine and stool output, and dry skin may occur, possibly due to insufficient feeding. At this point, it is necessary to strengthen feeding. If the mother's breast milk is clearly insufficient, or the baby hardly gets any milk from breastfeeding, then supplemental feeding is required. Usually, supplemental feeding primarily involves formula feeding, and generally, babies are not given water because both breast milk and formula provide sufficient hydration. Hence, it is generally recommended not to give water to newborns with jaundice; instead, simply increase feeding.