Why is the white of the baby's eye yellow?

The yellowing of the whites of the eyes of newborns can actually be divided into physiological and pathological reasons. Generally speaking, the yellowing of the whites of the eyes is most likely due to physiological jaundice, but it usually subsides in about a week. Let's introduce it in detail below.

Identification and treatment of physiological jaundice in newborns

It is mainly divided into two steps: At the beginning of the home visit, understand the newborn's discharge record. Carefully observe the newborn's sclera, skin changes, mental state, etc. every day, and notify parents in time if any abnormalities are found.

1. At the beginning of the home visit, you should take the initiative to ask about some information about the newborn from birth to discharge, such as date of birth, conditions at birth, etc. You can also directly ask to see the newborn's discharge record to understand the basic health status of the newborn to avoid omissions in work.

2. Carefully observe the color changes of the newborn's sclera, skin, mucous membranes, palms and soles of feet, that is, the newborn's mental state, every day and keep records.

If the newborn's sclera, skin or mucous membranes are found to be jaundiced, but the baby is sleeping and mentally healthy, feeding is normal, and urination and defecation are normal, the mother may be advised to increase her own fluid intake appropriately so that the newborn can get enough water and improve metabolism. If the mother drinks enough water and the newborn is still slightly jaundiced, the mother is encouraged to continue breastfeeding.

If the jaundice worsens day by day, and the sclera, skin, and mucous membranes of the hands and feet also appear yellow, but the baby is in good spirits and there is no obvious abnormality in feeding and urination and defecation, it is recommended to stop breastfeeding for 2-3 days, and resume breastfeeding (replace with milk powder during this period) after the jaundice is alleviated, or consult a health care doctor.

If the newborn's sclera, skin, mucous membranes, palms and soles of feet are all yellow and the condition rapidly worsens, and is accompanied by abnormalities such as irritability, crying or lethargy, refusal to feed or white stools, parents should be advised to take their child to see a doctor immediately.