Jaundice in Newborns: Causes & Treatment
Newborn or Infant Jaundice is the name given to yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is very common in newborns. Usually, the jaundice of the newborn does not need any special treatment and will heal on its own within about two weeks. Causes of Jaundice in Newborns Newborn babies produce large amounts of bilirubin due to the breakdown of red blood cells. A baby’s liver is not mature enough to process bilirubin and pass it through the intestines. The increased amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream causes yellowing of the newborn skin and eyes. The good news is that most babies do not need any treatment or monitoring for jaundice. The infant jaundice disappears on its own as the baby’s liver develops and the baby begins to feed, which helps bilirubin to pass through the body. In most cases, jaundice disappears within 2 to 3 weeks. Jaundice that lasts longer than 3 weeks can be a symptom of an underlying condition. When babies develop high levels of bilirubin, it can be harmf