Phototherapy units for babies are commonly used to treat jaundice, a condition where there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is relatively common in newborns, and phototherapy is an effective and non-invasive treatment. The light used in these units is usually blue or white, and it helps break down the bilirubin into a form that can be excreted by the baby’s body.

1. Jaundice Treatment:

• Jaundice in Newborns: Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the baby’s blood, leading to a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Phototherapy units emit specific wavelengths of light, usually blue or green, that help break down bilirubin into forms that the baby’s body can easily eliminate.

2. How it Works:

• Bilirubin Transformation: When a baby is exposed to the light from a phototherapy unit, the bilirubin in the skin absorbs the light and undergoes a transformation, making it easier for the baby’s liver to process and excrete.

3. Types of Phototherapy Units:

• Conventional Phototherapy: This involves placing the baby under fluorescent lights.
• LED Phototherapy: Light Emitting Diode (LED) units are becoming more common due to their efficiency, lower heat production, and ease of use.

4. Benefits:

• Non-Invasive: Phototherapy is a non-invasive treatment, meaning there is no need for needles or other medical procedures.
• Reduced Need for Exchange Transfusion: Phototherapy can often reduce the need for more invasive treatments like exchange transfusion, where the baby’s blood is replaced with donor blood.

5. Home Phototherapy:

• Portable Units: In some cases, when jaundice is less severe, portable or home phototherapy units may be used under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

6. Monitoring and Safety:

• Regular Monitoring: Babies undergoing phototherapy will be closely monitored for the effectiveness of treatment and any potential side effects.
• Eye Protection: Babies undergoing phototherapy often wear eye protection to shield their eyes from the light.