Patient Education1 min read

Jaundice (Yellow Eyes and Skin)

Overview

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by a build-up of bilirubin, a pigment produced when red blood cells break down. It is a sign of an underlying problem in the liver, bile ducts or blood, rather than a disease on its own. Jaundice in an adult always needs prompt medical assessment.

Symptoms

Yellow skin and yellow whites of the eyes

Dark, tea-colored urine

Pale, clay-colored stools

Itching of the skin

Fatigue, nausea or loss of appetite

Abdominal pain, fever or weight loss

Common Causes

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Viral hepatitis and other liver infections

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Alcohol-related, fatty or drug-induced liver injury

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Gallstones blocking the bile duct

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Tumors of the pancreas, bile ducts or liver

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Cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases

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Breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis) or inherited conditions such as Gilbert syndrome

Self-Care Tips

Seek medical assessment on the same day you notice yellowing

Avoid alcohol completely until a cause is found

Do not take new herbal products, supplements or medicines without medical advice

Bring a list of every medicine and supplement you use

Drink fluids and eat light meals if you feel nauseated

Follow your doctor's advice on tests and follow-up closely

When to See a Doctor

Jaundice needs same-day medical assessment. Go to the emergency department immediately if jaundice comes with fever and chills, severe abdominal pain, confusion or unusual drowsiness, vomiting blood, black stools, or easy bruising and bleeding. Do not wait for it to clear on its own.

How doctors investigate it

Your doctor will ask about the onset, medications, alcohol, travel, and any itching, pain or dark urine, then examine you. Blood tests measure bilirubin and liver enzymes and check blood counts and clotting. Ultrasound is usually the first imaging test to look for gallstones, bile duct dilation or liver changes. Further tests such as MRCP, CT, or endoscopic procedures to examine the bile ducts may be needed depending on the findings.

Treatment options

Jaundice is treated by treating its cause. A blocked bile duct may be opened with an endoscopic procedure or surgery, and viral hepatitis may be managed with supportive care or specific antiviral treatment depending on the virus. Medicine- or alcohol-related injury requires stopping the trigger under medical guidance. Chronic liver disease needs long-term follow-up with a specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jaundice a disease?

No. Jaundice is a sign that bilirubin is building up in the body. The underlying cause may be in the liver, the bile ducts or the blood, and finding it is the goal of the assessment.

Does yellow skin always mean a serious liver disease?

Not always. Some causes are mild or harmless, such as Gilbert syndrome, while others, like a blocked bile duct or acute hepatitis, can be serious. Because it is not possible to tell them apart without tests, every case in an adult should be assessed promptly.

Can yellow skin from eating too many carrots be mistaken for jaundice?

Yes. Very high intake of carotene-rich foods can tint the skin orange-yellow, but it usually spares the whites of the eyes. Yellowing of the eyes points to jaundice, so do not assume your diet is the cause without being examined.