Phototherapy

Phototherapy (Bililights) has been effectively used as a relatively inexpensive and noninvasive method of treating neonatal hyperbilirubinemia / jaundice.

Phototherapy involves exposure of the skin of the jaundiced baby to blue or cool white light of wavelength 400- 520nm. Light is effective in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia mainly because of its blue content.

Halogen lights should not be placed close to the baby as they deliver considerable heat. Light emitting diode (LED) lights emit little heat and, like fluorescent lights, can be brought close (up to 10cm) to the baby.