What is a common sign of neonatal jaundice?

The common sign of neonatal jaundice is characterized by yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. This occurs due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood, which is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, their immature liver often struggles to process this bilirubin effectively, leading to its accumulation and resulting in the yellowish appearance. The yellow color may first be noticeable on the face and can progress down the body if the jaundice is more severe.

Other signs such as a blue tint to the skin, pale skin with red spots, or brown patches do not relate to neonatal jaundice and may indicate different conditions that require separate evaluations and interventions. Thus, recognizing the yellow discoloration is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment of jaundice in neonates.