the cause of yellowish skin in new born baby?
Neonatal Jaundice:
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that causes yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes in newborns. It occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down.
Causes of neonatal jaundice:
1. Physiological Jaundice: This is the most common type of jaundice and is caused by the immature liver of a newborn baby. The liver is responsible for processing and removing bilirubin from the body, but in newborns, it may take a few days for the liver to fully mature and function effectively. Physiological jaundice usually appears on the second or third day after birth and resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks.
2. Breast Milk Jaundice: Some newborns may develop jaundice while being breastfed. This is caused by certain substances in breast milk that can interfere with the liver's ability to process bilirubin. Breast milk jaundice usually appears around 3-5 days after birth and can last for several weeks.
3. Pathological Jaundice: This type of jaundice is caused by underlying medical conditions that affect the liver, gallbladder, or other organs involved in bilirubin metabolism. It appears within the first 24 hours of life and can be a sign of serious conditions, such as:
- Liver problems (e.g., hepatitis, biliary atresia)
- Red blood cell disorders (e.g., hemolytic anemia)
- Infections (e.g., sepsis)
- Hormonal imbalances (e.g., hypothyroidism)
Risk Factors:
Certain factors can increase the risk of neonatal jaundice, including:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Bruising or injury during birth
- Family history of jaundice
- Certain medications taken by the mother during pregnancy or lactation
Treatment:
Mild jaundice usually requires no treatment and will resolve on its own. However, if the bilirubin levels are high or if there is an underlying medical condition, treatment may be necessary. This may include phototherapy (light therapy), which uses special lights to break down bilirubin, or in severe cases, exchange blood transfusion.
It's important to note that not all cases of neonatal jaundice require treatment. The doctor will monitor the baby's bilirubin levels and determine the appropriate course of action based on the severity and underlying cause of the jaundice.