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(HealthDayNews) -- Lots of babies are born with jaundice, indicated by a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The condition is normally caused by overproduction of a substance produced by the liver called bilirubin.
In most cases, the jaundice quickly goes away by itself. But if the infant's color grows too yellow or doesn't go away, it could indicate a serious condition called kernicterus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
Kernicterus, left untreated, can lead to brain damage, cerebral palsy and hearing loss, the CDC says. It also can cause vision problems and mental retardation.
If you're concerned about your newborn's jaundice, contact your pediatrician.
-- Anne Thompson
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