Phototherapy for Jaundice

For phototherapy at the hospital, a light box and/or fiber-optic blanket directs special light onto the jaundiced baby. The baby lies in a bassinet or an enclosed crib (incubator) while light is absorbed into the skin. The light changes bilirubin into a form that the baby can more easily get rid of in his or her stool…

Phototherapy for Jaundice

Baby getting phototherapy for jaundice

For phototherapy at the hospital, a light box and/or fiber-optic blanket directs special light onto the jaundiced baby. The baby lies in a bassinet or an enclosed crib (incubator) while light is absorbed into the skin. The light changes bilirubin into a form that the baby can more easily get rid of in his or her stool and urine.

The baby is undressed so that as much of the skin as possible is exposed to the light. And the eyes are covered to protect them from the bright light.

For phototherapy at home, a fiber-optic blanket or band may be used by itself.

Current as ofDecember 12, 2018

Author: Healthwise Staff
John Pope, MD, MPH – Pediatrics
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine

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