Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Dark Skin Color
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
Dark Skin Color
by SarahUK, Jul 21, 2005 12:00AM
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 !
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 !
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 21, 2005 12:00AM
, Jul 21, 2005 12:00AM
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
Dr. Rockoff
If it is not a skin issue, could it maybe be a heart or liver problem making his skin appear dark ?