Treatment of Jaundice - newborn - As long as your baby is well,...

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Treatment of Jaundice - newborn

As long as your baby is well, there is no need for treatment as jaundice usually disappears after a few weeks. See your GP immediately if the jaundice does not disappear after this time. Also see your GP if his/her stools are pale or urine is dark, or if the jaundice spreads to the arms and legs.

In some cases, a jaundice baby has to have a treatment called phototherapy. The baby is placed under a UV (ultraviolet) lamp, called a bili-light for about 1-2 days. The baby is usually naked and has its eyes covered up. This light treatment helps rid the body get rid of the bilirubin and makes it easier for your baby's liver to get rid of it. The side effects from phototherapy may include a rash and diarrhoea.

If the jaundice is severe and bilirubin levels are very high (hyperbilirubinemia), a blood transfusion may be needed. This is called exchange transfusion â€“ the babyâ€™s blood is drawn off and it is given new blood of the same type. This procedure will only be considered if phototherapy has not worked. Like any procedure of this nature, there are some risks involved, but it is usually successful.

If jaundice is caused by something else, such as an infection, this will have to be treated as appropriate. This may mean surgery or drug treatment.