Health Tip: When to Call the Pediatrician About Jaundice

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In: Kids' Health, Organs, Parenting

(HealthDay News) — Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, is a common condition among newborns that’s caused by a buildup of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood.

Most cases require no treatment and subside by themselves. But the American Academy of Pediatrics says these warning signs indicate that you should call your baby’s pediatrician:

  • If baby’s skin becomes progressively more yellow.
  • If the skin on baby’s legs, arms or abdomen is yellow.
  • If the whites of baby’s eyes have turned yellow.
  • If baby has become particularly fussy.
  • If baby is hard to wake or isn’t eating well.
  • If baby is jaundiced for more than three weeks.