Jaundice in infants is characterized by yellowing of the skin and/or eyes. It is caused by an excess level of bilirubin in the blood. According to OhioHealth.com, bilirubin is a yellow-colored pigment in the red blood cells that is part of hemoglobin. Newborn babies often have mild jaundice at birth because their kidneys are not mature enough to process the bilirubin quickly enough. This usually resolves itself without treatment, but monitoring jaundice in an infant is important to prevent complications. A medical care provider can carry out a number of diagnostic procedures to identify jaundice.
Step 1
Monitor the skin color in an infant. Small yellowish freckles may appear on the center of the face. Jaundice progresses from the face down to the chest and out to the extremities. Small amounts of jaundice on the face do not require treatment, but instead should be monitored for progression. Mild jaundice should resolve itself within four to seven days. Yellowing of the eyes is a more significant sign of jaundice, and may signal the need for further testing.
Step 2
Press your finger gently into your baby's skin. According to OhioHealth.com, if the skin looks yellow when you remove your finger, then your baby has jaundice and should see a doctor. It is normal for the skin to appear slightly lighter than the surrounding skin after you remove your finger. It may even appear white for a moment.
Step 3
Take your infant to the doctor if she seems to have excessive yellowing of the skin, or the jaundice has not improved within a few days after birth, seems to be worsening, or she has any other signs of illness. Your doctor can perform a number of diagnostic tests. A non-invasive method is the bilirubinometer. This device shines a light through the skin to measure the presence of bilirubin. Other methods include urine and blood specimen analysis. In more serious cases, an infant may undergo a liver function analysis, liver biopsy or an ultrasound of the abdomen.
Tips and Warnings
- Other signs that jaundice has progressed and requires medical attention include lack of interest in eating or playing and increased lethargy.
- Visual observation of an infant is not adequate for diagnosing jaundice. It is only a good method of monitoring an infant to determine whether she needs to be seen by a doctor. Always contact your doctor when in doubt, as jaundice can progress to a serious condition.
