Why does everyone think my DS (15 months) has a suntan?

[Sullwah]

Both DH and I have "olive" skin.

So I guess it makes sense that our DS should too.

But I am starting to get paranoid as whenever anyone meets DS they make a comment about a suntan - even though he has not spent anytime in the sun.

He had jaundice when born and has G6PD enzyme deficiency (the last point is probably totally irrelevant).

Do you think he has some weird liver disfunction? Will the GP laugh at me? Am i just being a paranoid first time mum?

Would you go to see your GP about this? He already thinks I am bonkers

Look at the whites of his eyes. Are they white (as they should be) or yellowish (in which case go the GP).

You have my sympathy. I have an olive skin, as does my ds1. People are always suggesting to me that I put more suncream on him

Well funny you should ask that - same with my dd. Her whole body is darker than all the rest of us and at Easter we went away to Wales for a few days (2 families, 9 in all) - was sunnyish for a day or so, dd came back looking like had been in Barbados for a month and everyone else white. I have been a bit worried about this too. (No jaundice for dd, though ds did have jaundice at birth and he still looks bit yellow on palms and soles sometimes though have been assured is nothing he is 8 now). GP prob will think you are mad, but do you know what, who cares if it puts your mind at rest. Am sure is nothing but why not ask if you are worried - or ring NHS Direct and see what they say (bit more anonymous if you dpn't want to look barking though obv they won't be able to see him)

wb - thanks you have put my mind at rest.

We recently took him to a pediatric opthomogist eye doctor as for the past 6 months everyone had been asking if he was crossed eyed (and as my grandfather was), I took him to be tested privately. I spent £205 to be told that it was a optical illusion - something to do with the width of the bridge of babies noses. Presumably she would have noticed if his eyes were yellow.

I felt rather foolish

I will check eyes again when he wakes up. As well as palms and soles (thanks for suggestion MrsE).

MN is wonderful for these mad mother moments

As wb says, if it is true jaundice eyes will be yellow, which is why the whole yellow palms and soles thing has never worried the doctor. Don't worry, sure he is fine but you are good to be vigilant.