Should infants with jaundice be exposed to sunlight?

Infant jaundice can be appropriately assisted with sun exposure as part of the treatment. The blue light spectrum in sunlight can help convert bilirubin on the skin's surface, thereby alleviating jaundice symptoms. However, the effectiveness of this method is limited, and time and method must be carefully controlled to avoid causing harm to the infant. Direct exposure to sunlight may increase the risk of ultraviolet burns, so it is recommended to use a gentle approach and closely monitor the baby's response.

Generally, it is advised to expose the baby to sunlight during the mild morning or evening hours. Keep the baby fully clothed, exposing only the face and palms, for 5 to 10 minutes each session. Care should also be taken to protect the eyes from direct bright light. Parents must supervise the baby throughout the sunbathing period and discontinue immediately if skin redness or irritability occurs. If the baby's jaundice is severe or persists for a prolonged period, it is recommended to follow medical advice and consider more professional treatments such as phototherapy or medication. In daily life, maintaining regular feeding to promote bowel movements can help accelerate bilirubin excretion. Regular monitoring of jaundice changes and timely medical evaluation are necessary to determine if further intervention is required.