Why are lotions or oils avoided during phototherapy?

• A. Burn risk
• B. They increase bilirubin production
• C. They hinder bilirubin breakdown
• D. They cause photosensitivity

Answer: (A)

Using high-intensity blue light, phototherapy converts unconjugated bilirubin into forms that can be excreted. The skin needs to be exposed to light without barriers. Lotions or oils on the skin create a layer that can trap heat and absorb energy from the lamp, increasing the risk of localized thermal burns. That heat buildup can burn sensitive newborn skin, especially with close, sustained exposure.

These products don’t raise bilirubin production, nor do they block bilirubin breakdown in the way the question options imply, and they don’t inherently cause photosensitivity from the light used in phototherapy. So the main safety concern is the burn risk from occlusion and heat.