French researchers have discovered a concerning link between infants with jaundice who undergo intensive light therapy and an increased risk of developing melanocytic nevi (moles) as they get older. This is a cause for alarm, as these moles have been associated with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
To address this issue, it is crucial to monitor the skin conditions of these children and take preventive measures. These findings, published in the Archives of Dermatology, are based on a study of 58 children aged 8 to 9 years.
Of the participants, 18 had received light therapy as newborns and 40 had not. All subjects were from the same geographic area in France and were matched for eye color, hair color, and total UV exposure.
The results showed that children who had undergone light therapy had a higher number of nevi compared to those who had not been exposed. The analysis also confirmed a link between light therapy exposure and the number of nevi ranging from 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter.
Although the findings suggest a potential association, it is important to approach them with caution due to the relatively small sizes of the exposed and nonexposed groups, as noted by Dr. Vincent Descamps from the Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital in Paris and his colleagues.
This research highlights the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and protecting the skin health of infants treated with light therapy for jaundice.
SOURCE: Reuters
