Jaundice is a condition often affecting newborns—though it isn’t necessarily restricted to newborns—in which the body does not process bilirubin through the liver as rapidly as it should. This results in skin looking yellowish. Fortunately, treatments like phototherapy are effective at correcting the problem. A skin surgeon can assess your condition and determine if this treatment option is right for you.

How Does Phototherapy Treat Jaundice?

The Effect of Light

In the 1950s, researchers found that certain types of light could reduce serum bilirubin levels in patients. Since then, it’s been one of the most commonly-used jaundice treatments.

This form of treatment is ideal because it is non-invasive in nature. During a treatment, a patient strips naked to ensure as much skin as possible gets exposed to the light. Patients wear protective coverings over their eyes to avoid any damage. A light is turned on for several moments, then the treatment is over.

Next Steps

Often, patients require more than one phototherapy treatment to get the full effects. A skin surgeon will recommend scheduling an appointment to come back and check the bilirubin levels. Depending on the impact the last treatment had on bilirubin levels, the doctor may recommend additional sessions.

Potential side effects of the procedure are fairly minor. The main one a patient may experience is skin rash. They could also experience dehydration if they don’t consume enough fluids. The light used during treatment can damage the retina, but that only happens if a patient removes their eye protection.

In other words, this treatment is safe, non-invasive, and most importantly, effective at getting rid of jaundice.

If you or someone you know needs a phototherapy treatment, get in touch with the office of Lauren A. Daman, MD, PC, with locations in Hartford and Simsbury, CT. The office also offers scar removal, BOTOX®, and a wide range of other skin care treatments. Contact them online for more details, or call (860) 246-3533.