Should children with high bilirubin levels be exposed to more sunlight to reduce yellowing?

Proper sun exposure when children have high bilirubin levels can help reduce yellowing, but it is necessary to strictly control the intensity and duration of light exposure to avoid skin damage. Newborns with physiological jaundice can sunbathe for no more than 15 minutes from 9-10 am or 4-5 pm after being evaluated by a doctor. They should choose a scattered light environment such as tree shade, and pay attention to covering their eyes and perineum. Moderate ultraviolet radiation can convert subcutaneous bilirubin into water-soluble substances for excretion. If there is redness or rash on the skin, it should be stopped immediately. Premature infants, hemolytic jaundice, or children with serum bilirubin levels exceeding 15mg/dl are prohibited from self sun therapy and must receive standardized blue light irradiation. During home care, it is recommended to breastfeed 8-12 times a day to promote bowel movements, wear light colored cotton clothing for easy observation of skin color changes, and regularly monitor bilirubin levels. If jaundice persists for more than two weeks, accompanied by symptoms such as drowsiness, milk refusal, fever, or obvious yellowing of the palms and soles of the feet, it is necessary to be alert to pathological factors such as biliary atresia and genetic metabolic diseases, and seek timely medical attention in pediatrics or neonatology. Before the diagnosis is clear, we should avoid blind use of folk prescription for eliminating jaundice. The use of traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Yinzhihuang oral liquid should strictly follow the doctor's advice. During phototherapy, we should pay attention to supplement vitamin D to prevent hypocalcemia.