Phototherapy is a simple treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. During phototherapy, the bilirubin in the neonatal body is changed into another form that can be easily excreted in the stool and urine. Phototherapy devices include halogen lamp, fluorescent, light emitting diode light sources. It is important that phototherapy is applied correctly to combat increased bilirubin production. Light in the wavelength range of 450–475 nm (blue) is the most effective because it overlaps the peak absorption spectrum of bilirubin. The effectiveness of phototherapy is dependent upon four major factors: Color of the light, Intensity of the light, Exposed body surface area and Duration of exposure. It is a safe and easily available treatment worldwide and the side effects of phototherapy are discussed.

Keywords: Phototherapy; Hyperbilirubinemia; Neonate; Irradiance.