Jaundice

Overview

Jaundice (pronounced JAWN-diss) is a condition that makes your skin and the whites of your eyes turn yellow. It happens when there is too much of a substance called bilirubin (bill-ee-ROO-bin) in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellow waste product that your body makes when it breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, your liver processes bilirubin and sends it out of your body in stool (poop). When something goes wrong with that process, bilirubin builds up and causes the yellow color. Jaundice is not a disease itself but a sign that something else is happening in your body, often in the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts.

Jaundice is very common in newborns — about 6 out of 10 babies develop it. In adults, it is less common but still happens often enough that doctors see it regularly. Many conditions that cause jaundice are treatable when found early.

Jaundice can affect people of any age, from newborn babies to older adults. Newborns are most likely to get it, especially if they are born early (premature). In children and adults, it can be a sign of liver problems, gallstones, infections, or other issues. Older adults may get jaundice from medications or more serious conditions like bile duct blockages or liver disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Yellow skin — usually starts on the face and then moves down the body
• Yellow whites of the eyes
• Dark urine (pee) — the color of tea or cola
• Pale or clay-colored stool (poop)
• Itchy skin all over the body
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swelling in the belly or legs

Symptoms in children

• For newborns: yellow skin and eyes that appear 2 to 4 days after birth
• Sleepiness or trouble feeding
• High-pitched crying or unusual fussiness
• In older children: same symptoms as adults, plus sometimes fever or stomach pain

Symptoms in older adults

• Same yellowing of skin and eyes
• Confusion or changes in thinking — this can be a sign of a serious liver problem
• Dark urine and pale stool
• Itching that can be severe and disrupt sleep
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

Causes

Main causes

• Before the liver: too many red blood cells are broken down, overwhelming the liver (hemolytic anemia)
• In the liver: the liver is damaged or cannot process bilirubin properly (examples: hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease)
• After the liver: the bile ducts that carry bile out of the liver are blocked, so bilirubin cannot exit the body (examples: gallstones, tumors, inflammation of the bile ducts)
• Newborn jaundice: a baby’s liver is not yet mature enough to handle bilirubin — this is normal and usually goes away within 2 weeks
• Medicines: some drugs can harm the liver or cause bilirubin to build up
• Infections: viruses like hepatitis A, B, or C can cause jaundice
• Genetic conditions: some rare conditions affect how bilirubin is processed (e.g., Gilbert's syndrome, which is harmless)

Risk factors

• Being a newborn, especially premature
• Drinking too much alcohol over a long time
• Have a history of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
• Have gallstones or gallbladder disease
• Take medications that can affect the liver (like paracetamol in high doses)
• Have a family history of jaundice or liver problems
• Been exposed to hepatitis viruses through unclean needles, unprotected sex, or contaminated food/water
• Have a weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You or your child suddenly develop yellow skin or eyes — especially if accompanied by belly pain, fever, or confusion
• Newborn jaundice that lasts more than 2 weeks or seems to be getting worse
• You have jaundice and are also vomiting blood or have black stool
• You have jaundice and feel confused or very sleepy

Book a routine appointment if:

• You notice your skin or eyes are slightly yellow for no clear reason
• You have mild jaundice that is not getting worse
• You have been feeling tired and your urine is darker than usual
• You have been drinking heavily and think your liver might be affected

Diagnosis

To diagnose jaundice, your doctor will start by talking with you about your symptoms and medical history. They will do a physical exam, pressing gently on your belly to check for pain or swelling. They will also look at your skin and eyes. Then they will order tests to find out what is causing the jaundice.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests: to measure bilirubin levels, check liver function, and look for signs of infection or anemia
• Urine test: to check for bilirubin in your urine
• Ultrasound: a painless scan that uses sound waves to take pictures of your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts
• CT scan or MRI: more detailed imaging if the ultrasound doesn't give enough information
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a special scope passed through your mouth to look at the bile ducts and sometimes remove blockages
• Liver biopsy (rare): a small sample of liver tissue is taken to check for damage or disease

What to expect at your appointment

The process usually starts with a visit to your general practitioner (GP). They may refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist (digestive system doctor) or a hepatologist (liver specialist). Appointments and tests can take a few hours to a few days. You will likely have blood drawn and might need an ultrasound. The doctor will explain what they find and talk with you about the next steps. In most cases, jaundice gets better once the underlying cause is treated.

Treatment

Treatment for jaundice depends entirely on what is causing it. Because jaundice is a symptom, doctors treat the root problem. For newborns, treatment may be very simple, such as feeding more often or using special lights (phototherapy). For adults, treatment might involve medicines, procedures to clear a blocked bile duct, or surgery. The goal is always to reduce bilirubin levels and address the underlying condition.

Self-care at home

• Stay well hydrated — drink plenty of water unless your doctor says otherwise
• Get plenty of rest to help your body heal
• Avoid alcohol completely if your liver is affected — talk to your doctor before drinking any alcohol
• Follow a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Do not take any new medicines, herbs, or supplements without asking your doctor first
• For newborns with mild jaundice: feed your baby often (breast milk or formula) and make sure they are getting enough. Sunlight (indirect, not direct) can help, but only if your doctor advises it.

Medical treatments

Medical treatment depends on the cause. For liver infections like hepatitis, antiviral or anti-inflammatory medicines may be used. For a blocked bile duct, doctors can perform a procedure called ERCP to open the blockage. For newborns, phototherapy (a special blue light) helps break down bilirubin in the skin. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be needed. For conditions like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), treatment focuses on slowing the damage and managing complications. If jaundice is caused by a medicine, you may need to stop taking that medicine (only under a doctor's supervision). Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations — never stop or start medicines on your own.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if jaundice is caused by gallstones blocking the bile duct, a tumor, or an injury to the bile ducts. For gallstones, the gallbladder may be removed (cholecystectomy). For tumors, surgery might be done to remove the growth. In some cases of severe liver disease, a liver transplant might be an option. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you if surgery is recommended.

Living with this condition

Living with jaundice means taking care of the underlying condition. You may need to visit your doctor regularly for check-ups and blood tests. If your jaundice is from a liver problem, you may need to make changes to your daily routine, such as avoiding alcohol and eating a liver-friendly diet. Most people feel better once the cause is treated, and the yellow color fades within a few weeks.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid alcohol completely if you have liver disease — ask your doctor for guidance
• Do not smoke — smoking can make liver problems worse
• Maintain a healthy weight — extra weight can put stress on your liver
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if recommended by your doctor
• Practice good hygiene to avoid infections
• Be careful with medicines — always check with your doctor before taking new ones

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet helps your liver heal. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like chicken or fish. Limit salty, fatty, and fried foods. If you have ascites (fluid buildup in the belly), your doctor may recommend a low-salt diet. For exercise, gentle activities like walking, yoga, or stretching are usually safe. Listen to your body and rest when you are tired. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Jaundice can affect how you feel emotionally. You might worry about the cause or feel self-conscious about your skin color. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed, or down. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor or a counselor. Many people find comfort in connecting with others who have similar health issues.

Prevention

Not all causes of jaundice can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by taking care of your liver and whole body. Many cases of jaundice in adults are linked to lifestyle choices or infections that can be avoided. For newborns, jaundice is often unavoidable, but careful monitoring ensures it is treated before it becomes serious.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These viruses can cause liver inflammation and jaundice. Ask your doctor if you should get vaccinated. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but you can reduce your risk by practicing safe behaviors.

Screening programmes

Regular blood tests can check your liver function, especially if you have risk factors like heavy alcohol use, a family history of liver disease, or exposure to hepatitis. Newborns are routinely checked for jaundice before leaving the hospital. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor about screening.

Complications

If left untreated

• In newborns: very high bilirubin levels can cause brain damage (kernicterus) if not treated quickly
• In adults: severe, untreated jaundice can lead to liver failure, which is life-threatening
• Long-term blockage of bile ducts can cause liver scarring (cirrhosis) and damage other organs
• Chronic liver disease can increase the risk of liver cancer
• Untreated infections (like hepatitis) can lead to long-term liver damage

Long-term outlook

The outlook for jaundice is very good when the underlying cause is found and treated early. Most newborns recover fully without any lasting problems. In adults, many conditions that cause jaundice — such as gallstones, hepatitis, or medication reactions — can be cured or managed effectively. Even for more serious conditions like cirrhosis, treatment can slow the disease and help you live a good quality of life for many years. The key is to see a doctor promptly and follow their advice. Most people with jaundice get better and feel like themselves again.

Find support

International organisations

• British Liver Trust ↗
• American Liver Foundation ↗
• Canadian Liver Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• NHS (National Health Service) - Jaundice information ↗ · United Kingdom
• HealthInfo (New Zealand) - Jaundice ↗ · New Zealand
• HealthDirect (Australia) - Jaundice ↗ · Australia

Helplines

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