Blue light (BL) phototherapy has been an essential therapeutic tool in the management
of neonatal jaundice for decades. It is rarely accompanied by acute dermatological
and systemic side-effects, but fortunately these are reversible, and can be adequately
and promptly treated in routine neonatal practice. In contrast, much less is known
about the potential long-term side-effects of neonatal blue light phototherapy (NBLP).
Many of the data that are currently available on how NBLP influences melanocytic naevus
(MN) development are controversial. The results of recent well-designed epidemiological
surveys suggest that NBLP could well be a risk factor for MN formation, and highlight
the need for additional in vivo and in vitro studies. NBLP is at present the mainstay
of the treatment of neonatal jaundice, but in the future greater consideration should
be given to its long-term side-effects when phototherapy is indicated. It is relevant
to emphasize the importance of appropriately restricted and adequate clinical guidelines,
and strict monitoring of the management of hyperbilirubinaemia, in order to avoid
the unnecessary overtreatment of newborn infants.
