What should be done if a newborn’s sclera appears yellow?
Jan 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Yellowing of the sclera in newborns may be caused by either physiological or pathological neonatal jaundice, typically occurring in infants under one month of age. Neonatal jaundice refers to a condition characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera, resulting from abnormal bilirubin metabolism—specifically, excessive breakdown of red blood cells—leading to elevated serum bilirubin levels during the neonatal period.
Yellowing of the sclera (the “whites” of the eyes) typically indicates underlying liver or biliary tract disease, most commonly seen in cases of jaundice-associated hepatitis—such as icteric hepatitis or cholestatic hepatitis. Other potential causes include infectious hepatic diseases, biliary disorders, pregnancy-induced toxemia, and certain hemolytic conditions.
What to Do If a Newborn’s Sclera Appears Yellow
Yellowing of the sclera in newborns may result from either physiological or pathological jaundice, usually occurring within the first month of life. Neonatal jaundice refers to a common clinical condition characterized by elevated serum bilirubin levels due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism and excessive breakdown of red blood cells. This manifests as yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclera. Notably, impaired excretory function in newborns can also contribute to this phenomenon.
The first step in managing scleral yellowing in newborns is to determine whether it stems from physiological or pathological jaundice. Identifying the underlying cause is essential before initiating appropriate treatment. Physiological jaundice typically appears 2–3 days after birth and resolves spontaneously within about one week; in preterm infants, resolution may take up to two weeks. In contrast, pathological jaundice tends to appear later or persist beyond the expected timeframe—and may even worsen. In such cases, parents should promptly bring their infant to a hospital for thorough evaluation and timely intervention to support recovery.
After discharge from the hospital, regularly exposing the newborn to sunlight (with appropriate precautions) can help prevent jaundice development. However, care must be taken to shield the infant’s eyes during sun exposure to avoid ocular irritation or damage. Additionally, offering small amounts of warm water may promote metabolic activity and aid in preventing jaundice.
The above outlines key considerations for managing scleral yellowing in newborns. We hope this information proves helpful.
