Most babies, whether born premature or full-term, experience jaundice to varying degrees. Some babies require hospital treatment, while others can be monitored at home. Doctors often recommend exposing the baby to sunlight as a way to treat jaundice. However, parents may be hesitant and wonder if sunlight can really help get rid of jaundice.
Can Sunlight Help with Jaundice?
Jaundice is very common in newborns, and most babies will experience some degree of it after birth. For babies with mild symptoms, doctors often advise parents to expose the baby to sunlight, as it can be effective in reducing jaundice. Sunlight therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves exposing the baby's skin to ultraviolet (UV) light, which includes blue light. This exposure to sunlight can have a therapeutic effect on jaundice.
The Science Behind Sunlight Therapy for Jaundice
Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood due to the baby's liver not being fully developed yet. Bilirubin cannot be metabolized quickly enough, resulting in elevated levels in the blood. This manifests as yellowing of the skin on the forehead, chest, and limbs. By exposing the baby's body to sunlight, the bilirubin undergoes a photochemical reaction that changes its structure, making it easier to metabolize without harming the brain. This helps alleviate jaundice.
How Long Should Sunlight Therapy Last?
The baby can be exposed to sunlight for 10-20 minutes, 1-2 times a day. It is recommended to have one session in the morning (around 8-9 am) and another in the afternoon (around 4-5 pm). Avoid exposing the baby's face directly to sunlight. Instead, focus on exposing the limbs, abdomen, and back. You can place a small bed on the balcony and let the baby lie on it with their pants off, allowing their buttocks and the back of their head to be exposed to the sun. Be cautious not to let the sunlight harm the baby's eyes.
Serious Jaundice Requires More Than Sunlight Exposure
While direct sunlight exposure can help reduce jaundice, it is only effective for newborns with mild cases. This is because the amount of blue light in sunlight is limited, and it is difficult to expose large areas of the baby's skin to sunlight at home. Additionally, it is challenging to maintain optimal warmth, and the baby may be at risk of catching a cold. Therefore, for babies with high bilirubin levels and severe jaundice, relying solely on sunlight exposure is not recommended. Other treatments, such as artificial blue light therapy, should be considered.
Precautions for Sunlight Therapy for Jaundice
For newborns with mild jaundice, exposing them to sunlight can help reduce the condition. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Ensure that the baby's entire body is exposed to sunlight, avoiding the face and genital area. Use a black eye mask to protect the baby's eyes, and cover the genital and anal areas with a diaper. Also, remember to change the baby's position frequently to avoid sunburn. During the autumn and winter seasons, when it is cold, it is sufficient to take the baby outdoors to get some sunlight without removing their clothes completely to prevent them from catching a cold.
