According to the Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, at KidsHealth.org, jaundice is a common condition in newborns. It refers to the yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes from a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. When cells break down as they normally do, bilirubin is the result. An infant's immature liver may not process bilirubin quickly enough, which causes the development of jaundice. Symptoms of jaundice appear initially as physical discoloration, but without treatment or monitoring, the condition can cause serious health concerns.
Skin Symptoms
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) states that the main symptom of jaundice in infants is a yellowish tint to the skin. It can be seen on the face initially before it progresses down to the chest and outward toward the hands and feet. The whites of the eyes may develop the yellow color after several days of bilirubin buildup. Pressing down on the skin and releasing will cause the skin to reveal the yellow bilirubin in fair and medium skin-toned infants.
Physiological Symptoms
Infants with a moderate to severe amount of bilirubin in their system may exhibit lethargy and extreme tiredness, reports the NLM. In some cases, the infant may develop poor feeding routines, which will increase the jaundice. Usually, within one to two days the jaundice will clear up without treatment, according to the NLM. KidsHealth.org suggests medical attention for infants who develop a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, who look sick or act sick.
Complications
In the event that an infant's jaundice is not monitored ir treated or is the result of an underlying health concern, more serious complications can develop. The NLM explains that in rare cases high bilirubin levels can contribute to the development of cerebral palsy, deafness and kernicterus. Kernicterus, as indicated by Kernicterus.org, is a form of brain damage that leads to symptoms such as excessive lethargy, feed difficulties, inability to stay awake, high-pitching crying, decreased muscle tone, arching of the back or arching of the head into a contorted position.
