Ultraviolet light burn: a cutaneous complication of visible light phototherapy of neonatal jaundice

Pediatr Dermatol. 1992 Sep;9(3):278-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.1992.tb00348.x.

Abstract

Visible light phototherapy is an easily administered and effective treatment for neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Reported cutaneous side effects include transient rashes and the uncommon bronze baby syndrome. A more hazardous side effect is ultraviolet burn. Two premature infants developed phototherapy-induced erythema, one associated with a second-degree burn, after exposure to fluorescent daylight bulbs inadvertently used without Plexiglass shields, thus allowing prolonged ultraviolet A (UVA) exposure. Premature infants, especially during the first two weeks of life, may be significantly susceptible to UVA-induced erythema. Plexiglass shields should always be in place during visible light phototherapy, and nursery staff should be made aware of their purpose.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Burns / etiology*
  • Burns / prevention & control
  • Erythema / etiology*
  • Erythema / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Jaundice, Neonatal / radiotherapy*
  • Protective Devices
  • Radiation Injuries / etiology*
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control
  • Ultraviolet Therapy / adverse effects*