Jaundice, the yellowing of the skin and eyes, is common in newborns but can occur in adults too. While home remedies aren't a replacement for medical care, certain measures can support treatment, particularly in newborns with mild cases. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Helping Newborn Jaundice at Home
For newborns with mild jaundice, the following measures, as suggested by various sources like the Alberta Health Services (https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh4439), can be helpful:
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Frequent Feedings: More frequent feeding (8-12 times a day for breastfed infants in the first few days) helps eliminate bilirubin through bowel movements. This is crucial because bilirubin is excreted in stool.
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Monitoring: Regularly check your baby's skin for yellowing twice a day. Gently press on the skin; if yellow discoloration remains after releasing the pressure, this is a sign of jaundice. For darker-skinned babies, pay close attention to the whites of the eyes and the palms of their hands and feet for yellowing. (https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh4439)
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Home Phototherapy (If prescribed): In some cases, your doctor may recommend home phototherapy using a fiber optic blanket. This special light helps break down bilirubin. (https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/discharge-instructions/newborn-jaundice-discharge) Do not attempt phototherapy without your doctor's explicit instruction.
Important Note: Sunlight is not a safe or effective treatment for jaundice. (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/jaundice.aspx)
Helping Adult Jaundice at Home
Home remedies for adult jaundice are limited and should only be considered supportive measures under a doctor's guidance. Underlying liver conditions often cause jaundice in adults, requiring professional medical attention. The Merck Manual (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/manifestations-of-liver-disease/jaundice-in-adults) highlights that acute viral hepatitis is a common cause of jaundice in adults, requiring specific medical management.
It's crucial to understand that home remedies cannot cure jaundice; they can only provide limited support in conjunction with medical care.
