5 Ways to Restore Baby's Skin Color After Phototherapy

As a parent, seeing your Little One experiencing certain conditions such as jaundice must make Moms worried. Phototherapy, one of the treatment methods commonly used to treat jaundice in infants, can indeed give side effects in the form of changes in skin color to become darker.

However, Moms do not need to worry too much. The baby's skin color after phototherapy can return to normal in several ways. Here are 5 tips that Moms can do:

What is Phototherapy?

Phototherapy is a treatment method that uses special ultraviolet (UV) light to help reduce bilirubin levels in the baby's blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that results from the breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, their livers are not fully developed to effectively remove bilirubin, so bilirubin builds up and causes the baby's skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.

The UV light in phototherapy works by converting bilirubin into a form that is more easily excreted by the body through urine and stool. Phototherapy is usually done in a hospital, but some types of phototherapy can also be done at home.

How to restore baby's skin color after phototherapy

Although phototherapy is effective in treating jaundice, side effects such as skin discoloration may occur. The baby's skin may look darker, especially on the face, hands and feet.

However, Moms do not need to worry. The baby's skin color will return to normal gradually after phototherapy is stopped. Here are 5 ways to restore baby's skin color after phototherapy that can help speed up the process:

1. Bathe with warm water

Bathe your Little One with warm water twice a day. Use a mild baby soap and avoid water that is too hot. Bathing the baby can help remove dead skin cells and accelerate the skin regeneration process.

2. Dry the baby in the morning

Expose the Little One to the morning sun for 15-30 minutes, 3-4 times a week. Make sure to choose a time in the morning when the sun is not too strong and use a hat and loose clothing to protect the Little One from direct sun exposure. Natural sunlight helps the baby's body produce vitamin D which plays an important role in skin health.

3. Use moisturizer

Apply moisturizer twice a day on your Little One's skin, especially after bathing. Choose a moisturizer that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic to avoid irritation to the baby's skin. Moisturizers help keep the skin moisturized and prevent dryness that can slow down the skin tone recovery process.

4. Give more breast milk

For Moms who are breastfeeding, breastfeed your little one more often. Breast milk helps the baby's body get rid of bilirubin and increases the production of new skin cells. In addition, breast milk is also rich in nutrients that are important for baby's skin health.

5. Consult a doctor

If Moms are worried about the baby's skin color after phototherapy, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. The doctor will examine the condition of the Little One and provide appropriate advice to help restore the baby's skin color to its original state.

Changes in skin color after phototherapy are normal and nothing to worry about. By following the tips above, your Little One's skin color will return to normal gradually.

However, if Moms have any obligations or are worried about the condition of the Little One, always consult a doctor to get the right advice and treatment.