Patient's question:
The baby was just born, but the skin is very yellow, especially on the hands and feet. After asking, I learned that this is known as neonatal jaundice, and it is said to naturally subside in a few days. It has been 5 days now, but it feels like the skin is even yellower and there are no signs of it fading. How is neonatal jaundice formed?Doctor's answer:
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a condition where newborns develop physiological jaundice after birth. It is caused by the destruction of red blood cells, leading to high levels of bilirubin in the body, which results in yellowing of the skin. This usually appears two days after birth and typically disappears within seven days. Currently, it is the fifth day, which is normal. It is recommended to give the child some glucose water or warm water appropriately, as this can help alleviate jaundice.