Patient's question:
My daughter has been a bit yellow on her face for about one or two weeks since she was born. It is said that jaundice can also manifest as a yellow face, but I'm not sure. The family doesn't understand either. I want to ask if neonatal jaundice is just about the face being yellow?Doctor's answer:
Neonatal jaundice refers to the condition during the neonatal period where abnormal bilirubin metabolism leads to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. The occurrence of yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera is the most common clinical issue in newborns. This condition can be divided into two major categories: physiological and pathological. A light yellow hue is limited to the face and neck, or it may affect the torso. The yellowing of the sclera can subside within 2-3 days, and the skin color typically returns to normal within 5-6 days. In severe cases, the entire body is usually yellow.