Causes of yellow skin eyes

Overview

Yellow skin and eyes, medically called jaundice, is not a disease itself but a sign that something is wrong. It happens when a yellow pigment called bilirubin builds up in your blood. This can be due to problems with your liver, gallbladder, or blood cells.

Jaundice is quite common in newborn babies, but in adults it is less common and always requires medical investigation.

Jaundice can affect people of any age, but it is more common in newborns, people with liver disease, older adults, and those who have certain blood disorders or infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Yellow colour of the skin and the whites of the eyes
• Dark urine (like tea or cola)
• Pale-coloured stools (poo)
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue or weakness

Symptoms in children

• In newborns, symptoms also include poor feeding, sleepiness, and high-pitched crying.
• In older children, symptoms are similar to adults but they may also complain of stomach pain or nausea.

Symptoms in older adults

• The same colour changes in skin and eyes, but may be harder to notice on darker skin.
• Older adults might also experience confusion, paleness, or easy bruising due to underlying liver or blood problems.

Causes

Main causes

• Liver conditions: hepatitis (inflammation of the liver, often from a virus), alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
• Blockage of bile ducts: most often by gallstones, but sometimes by tumours or narrowed bile ducts.
• Blood disorders: conditions that break down red blood cells too quickly, like haemolytic anaemia.
• Side effects of certain medicines or infections.

Risk factors

• Heavy alcohol use
• Viral hepatitis infection (hepatitis A, B, or C)
• Family history of liver disease or blood disorders
• Obesity and type 2 diabetes (for fatty liver disease)
• Taking many medicines that can affect the liver
• Recent blood transfusion or travel to areas with hepatitis

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your skin or eyes turn yellow and you also have severe stomach pain, fever, or vomiting.
• If you already have liver disease and notice any jaundice.
• If you have yellow skin and feel very confused or sleepy.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you notice a mild yellow tint to your skin or eyes without other symptoms — see your GP within a few days.
• If you have long-term itchy skin or very dark urine.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you take. They will usually do a physical exam, checking your skin and eyes and feeling your abdomen for tenderness or swelling.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests: to check bilirubin levels, liver function, and look for signs of infection or anaemia.
• Urine test: to check for bilirubin or blood in your urine.
• Imaging scans: an ultrasound of your abdomen is common to look at your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
• Sometimes a CT scan or MRI (detailed pictures of the inside of your body).

What to expect at your appointment

You can expect to have blood taken and possibly an ultrasound. The doctor will explain the results and what the next steps are. You may be referred to a specialist (gastroenterologist or hepatologist). Most tests are quick and painless.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. The goal is to treat the condition causing the bilirubin build-up. Your doctor will create a plan tailored to you.

Self-care at home

• Avoid alcohol completely until your doctor says it is safe.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Do not take any new medicines, herbs, or supplements without talking to your doctor first.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments vary by cause: for infections like hepatitis, antiviral or supportive care may be given. For blocked bile ducts, procedures such as endoscopy to remove a gallstone or place a stent may be needed. For blood disorders, medicines that reduce red blood cell breakdown might be used. Liver inflammation may be treated with steroids or other immune-modulating therapies. Always discuss options with your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed if gallstones are blocking bile ducts and cannot be removed by endoscopy, or if there is a tumour causing the blockage. Your specialist team will explain if surgery is an option for you.

Living with this condition

If you have jaundice, you may feel tired and itchy. Rest when you need to, and avoid scratching your skin. Keep your skin moisturised with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion. Follow your doctor’s advice about follow-up appointments.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid alcohol.
• Get enough rest and sleep.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle walking.
• Do not smoke.

Diet and exercise

Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fibre, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods and added sugars. Gentle exercise like walking can help, but listen to your body and stop if you feel unwell.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Jaundice and the underlying condition can be worrying. It is normal to feel anxious or low. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling. Counselling or support groups can help.

Prevention

Not all causes of jaundice can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by avoiding heavy alcohol use, getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing safe hygiene (wash hands, safe food and water).

Vaccines

Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. These can help prevent some types of liver infection that can lead to jaundice.

Screening programmes

If you have a family history of liver or blood disorders, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to check your liver function and bilirubin levels.

Complications

If left untreated

• If caused by a blocked bile duct, untreated infection can spread and become life-threatening.
• Liver damage can worsen, leading to cirrhosis or liver failure.
• Severe jaundice in newborns can cause brain damage if not treated quickly.

Long-term outlook

Most causes of jaundice can be treated successfully, especially if caught early. With the right medical care, many people recover fully and lead healthy lives. Even serious conditions like liver disease can often be managed so you can feel better and stay well.

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