Will jaundice become darker after blue light treatment?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Exposure to blue light for jaundice does not cause the skin to darken. Blue light therapy converts unconjugated bilirubin in the bloodstream into water-soluble isomers, which are then excreted in the urine, thereby alleviating jaundice. After phototherapy, some patients may develop a bronze discoloration of the skin, but this gradually returns to normal once the treatment is stopped. Therefore, blue light therapy does not cause the skin to turn black.
Jaundice treated with blue light will not cause the skin to turn dark. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Jaundice refers to a condition caused by abnormal metabolism of bilirubin in the body, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels. Typically, jaundice appearing within 24 hours after birth in newborns is considered pathological, while jaundice occurring between 3 to 5 days after birth is usually physiological. Blue light therapy converts unbound bilirubin in the bloodstream into water-soluble isomers, which are then excreted through urine, thereby alleviating jaundice. Although blue light treatment does not darken the skin, some patients may develop a bronze or slightly greenish skin discoloration during therapy. This change is temporary and the skin gradually returns to normal after treatment ends, without causing any harm to the body. Therefore, blue light therapy does not cause skin darkening. It should be noted that during blue light treatment, changes in body temperature and gastrointestinal stimulation may occur, potentially leading to side effects such as fever or diarrhea. However, these effects are generally mild and do not significantly impact health. Usually, no specific treatment is required, and symptoms resolve spontaneously once the therapy is discontinued.
When symptoms of jaundice appear, patients should seek timely medical care to prevent the condition from worsening.
