Dark Skin Color

My 5 week old baby has a very dark skin color, whereas both my husband and myself are very pale (we are all white europeans). So much so that people are remarking on it and saying that he has a sun tan, is a "good color" etc.

What could cause this? It really is very noticeable. There is no chance that my husband is not the father of the baby.

My baby was jaundiced at birth but has been checked out last week (4 weeks of age) at the hospital for possible prolonged jaundice (bronzing) but this is not the case. My family doctor has just told me that some babies are different colors to others and there is nothing to worry about - but I just need to know what the explanation is !

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Frankly, I can't say much.  Your doctor's comment is no doubt correct.  I simply can't think of any diseases which might cause this.  Is it possible that there is a dark-skinned ancestor in either your family or your husband's?  

Dr. Rockoff

[SarahUK]

My great great grandmother was Spanish but that's it.

If it is not a skin issue, could it maybe be a heart or liver problem making his skin appear dark ?