Phototherapy light for jaundice

Jaundice makes the skin or whites of the eyes look yellow because bilirubin has built up in the body. Phototherapy does not treat every cause of jaundice; it is used when bilirubin reaches a level at which light treatment is appropriate, particularly in newborn care. The light changes bilirubin into forms the body can remove more easily.

Jaundice in an adult can result from liver or bile-duct problems, infection, blood-cell breakdown, or blockage. Conditions such as [Gallstones](/conditions/gallstones/), [Hepatitis A](/conditions/hepatitis-a/), [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/), or [Hepatitis C](/conditions/hepatitis-c/) may need cause-specific treatment rather than phototherapy alone.

Treatment is provided under medical supervision with the eyes protected from the light when needed. The care team checks bilirubin and watches temperature, hydration, feeding, urine, and stool. Newborns are usually kept in light as much as possible, with breaks for feeding and care according to the clinical plan.

Do not try to treat jaundice with sun exposure or home lighting. Keep appointments for blood tests and follow the feeding or hydration plan given by the team. Ask how long treatment may continue, how bilirubin will be checked, and which changes should be reported immediately.

Seek urgent medical advice for jaundice with confusion, unusual sleepiness, fever, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, very dark urine, pale stools, or rapidly worsening yellowing. A newborn who is difficult to wake, feeds poorly, has a high-pitched cry, or is becoming more yellow needs prompt assessment. Adult jaundice may be related to serious liver or pancreatic disease, including [Liver Cancer](/conditions/liver-cancer/) or [Pancreatic Cancer](/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/), so do not delay review.

Ask what is causing the jaundice, what bilirubin result or clinical finding led to phototherapy, how the eyes and skin will be protected, and how feeding or hydration should be managed. Ask when repeat testing is needed and what symptoms require immediate contact.