Jaundice, yellowing of the skin in babies

Introduction :

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes), and mucous membranes (gums and tongue) turn yellow. It usually appears first on the face and then spreads to the abdomen or legs. It is common in newborns, with varying degrees of severity; most of the time it resolves on its own.

Why does jaundice occur in newborns?

This occurs when a substance called bilirubin accumulates in the baby's blood due to the immaturity of the liver and the higher concentration of red blood cells in newborns. When these cells break down, they produce bilirubin. Bilirubin adheres to all the baby's organs and tissues, and if levels rise significantly, it can cause permanent damage. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor this process to avoid the risk of very high bilirubin levels and to begin effective treatment.