What should be done if a premature baby's skin turns dark?
Disease description:
My baby was premature, and I've always felt his skin is darker than other children's. I'd like to ask, what should I do about a premature baby having dark skin?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xie Zixing
Premature infants with darkened skin usually do not need to be overly concerned if the discoloration is due to blue light phototherapy, as the skin will gradually become lighter over time. If the darkening is caused by excessive melanin, it is often related to genetics. It is recommended, when introducing complementary foods, to include more foods rich in vitamin C to help lighten the skin. Additionally, if the darkened appearance is accompanied by jaundice, the skin may appear darker; once the jaundice resolves, the skin color will gradually return to normal.
