Babies undergoing phototherapy may develop temporary skin discoloration, which usually appears as a slightly darker complexion. However, this darkening typically fades over time, and the baby’s skin color returns to its original state.
Do babies become dark after phototherapy?
Babies undergoing phototherapy may develop temporary skin discoloration, which usually appears as a slightly darker complexion. However, this darkening typically fades over time, and the baby’s skin color returns to its original state.
Although the darkening of a baby’s skin during phototherapy may at first raise concerns for parents, it is important to note that this change in complexion is only temporary. The discoloration occurs due to the breakdown of bilirubin, a yellowish substance that can build up in a baby’s blood when the liver is unable to process it efficiently. Phototherapy, which involves exposing the baby’s skin to specific wavelengths of light, helps break down the excess bilirubin and promotes its elimination from the body.
According to Dr. Mark R. Corkins, a pediatric gastroenterologist, “The mechanism of action of phototherapy in jaundice is photoisomerization of bilirubin, leading to the formation of water-soluble structural isomers that can be eliminated from the body more efficiently.” In other words, the light used in phototherapy causes a transformation in bilirubin, making it easier for the body to remove.
While the temporary darkening of a baby’s skin during phototherapy may cause some concern, it is important to remember that it is a common and expected occurrence. The melanin pigment in the baby’s skin may become more active under the influence of the specific light used in phototherapy, resulting in a darkening effect. However, this should not be a cause for alarm, as the skin color usually returns to normal within a few weeks to months after the treatment is completed.
To provide further insights into the topic, here are a few interesting facts related to neonatal jaundice and phototherapy:
- Neonatal jaundice affects approximately 60% of full-term babies and 80% of premature babies, making it a relatively common condition in newborns.
- Phototherapy has been used to treat newborn jaundice since the 1950s and is considered a safe and effective treatment option.
- In addition to phototherapy, other treatment options for neonatal jaundice include exchange transfusion and medication when necessary.
- The duration of phototherapy varies depending on the severity of the baby’s condition, but it typically lasts for a few days to a week.
- Proper hydration is crucial during phototherapy to ensure that the baby’s body effectively eliminates the breakdown products of bilirubin.
- Phototherapy can be administered using various devices, including overhead lights, blankets, or even portable devices that allow the baby to continue receiving treatment while being held or fed.
In conclusion, it is common for babies undergoing phototherapy to develop temporary skin discoloration, resulting in a slightly darker complexion. However, this darkening is usually a temporary side effect that fades over time, with the baby’s skin returning to its original color. Phototherapy remains a reliable and widely used treatment option for neonatal jaundice, helping newborns eliminate excessive bilirubin and promoting their well-being.
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Dr. Sudheendra Udbalker advises against trying to change the color of a newborn’s skin, as it is determined by factors that cannot be altered. He cautions against using creams, oils, and massages, as they have not been proven to affect skin color and may even be harmful to the baby’s sensitive skin. The doctor emphasizes that natural changes in skin color will occur as the child grows, so it is best to let these changes happen on their own.
Here are some other answers to your question
A rare complication (bronze baby syndrome) occurs in some infants with cholestatic jaundice when treated with phototherapy. With exposure to phototherapy lamps, these infants develop a dark, gray-brown discoloration of skin, urine, and serum.
With exposure to phototherapy lamps, these infants develop a dark, gray-brown discoloration of skin, urine, and serum. Although the exact etiology is not understood, this effect is thought to be the result of an accumulation of porphyrins and other metabolites.
People also ask
Also asked, Does phototherapy make babies tan? Exposure to blue green lights could result in uneven skin at different places of the baby’s body – for example the legs may get tanned or get darker, or just the stomach areas turn darker than the rest of the body.
Does phototherapy cause skin discoloration? Answer will be: Eight hours after continuing intensive phototherapy, progressive gray-brown discoloration of the skin was noted (Fig. 1A). This discoloration was observed in areas that were uncovered and exposed to the intensive phototherapy light (Fig.
Does phototherapy make you dark?
As an answer to this: You may experience some skin redness or hyperpigmentation, where your skin appears darker after treatment, this may go away after 24 hours. If you feel a burning sensation on your skin that lasts more than a couple of days after treatment, contact your provider.
In this regard, How do you get rid of phototherapy tan in babies? In reply to that: It completely depends on time and slowly and gradually are the 10 will be removed just don’t worry about it you can keep massaging sweet almond oil + virgin coconut oil to your baby it helps in skin lightening so if there is a time due to phototherapy it will all go away with time ..
Besides, Do phototherapy side effects affect neonates? The answer is: Numerous studies assessing these possible adverse effects of phototherapy on neonates have been published over the past years. Through this review, we seek to analyze what we know about the side effects of phototherapy in the neonatal period.
Additionally, What happens if a baby eats a phototherapy lamp?
As an answer to this: With exposure to phototherapy lamps, these infants develop a dark, gray-brown discoloration of skin, urine, and serum. Although the exact etiology is not understood, this effect is thought to be the result of an accumulation of porphyrins and other metabolites.
Consequently, Is phototherapy safe for babies with jaundice?
Yes, phototherapy is a safe treatment option for babies. Babies who are born with jaundice have too much bilirubin in their bodies, which makes their skin and eyes look yellow. Blue UV light therapy helps babies get rid of the bilirubin so it doesn’t become harmful to them.
In this regard, Can I breastfeed a baby with phototherapy? Answer to this: Breastfed babies who require phototherapy should continue to breastfeed unless clinically contra-indicated due to other pathology; the neonate’s sucking, attachment and mother’s milk supply should be monitored. All feeds should be given via a bottle or NGT if feeding is deemed safe.
Does a newborn need phototherapy? The light used for phototherapy helps your newborn’s body get rid of extra bilirubin. Phototherapy may be done at home. Your newborn may need phototherapy in the hospital if the jaundice is severe. How do I prepare my newborn for phototherapy? Your newborn’s healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare your newborn.
Also asked, What happens if a baby eats a phototherapy lamp?
Answer will be: With exposure to phototherapy lamps, these infants develop a dark, gray-brown discoloration of skin, urine, and serum. Although the exact etiology is not understood, this effect is thought to be the result of an accumulation of porphyrins and other metabolites.
Beside above, Is phototherapy safe for babies with jaundice?
The answer is: Yes, phototherapy is a safe treatment option for babies. Babies who are born with jaundice have too much bilirubin in their bodies, which makes their skin and eyes look yellow. Blue UV light therapy helps babies get rid of the bilirubin so it doesn’t become harmful to them.
Additionally, How do I keep my newborn warm during phototherapy? Response will be: Your newborn’s pediatrician will tell you how many hours a day to do phototherapy. The following will help keep your newborn safe and warm during treatment: Keep the room warm. The temperature in your newborn’s room should be between 68°F and 75°F (20°C and 24°C). Close windows and doors to decrease drafts in the room.