Yellow skin eyes

Overview

Yellow skin and eyes, also called jaundice, is a condition where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn a yellow color. This happens when there is too much of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is made when your body breaks down old red blood cells. Normally, your liver filters it out, but if the liver is not working well or if there is a block in the bile ducts, bilirubin can build up.

Jaundice is fairly common in newborns, affecting about 60% of full-term babies. In adults, it is less common, but it can happen at any age.

Jaundice can affect people of all ages. Newborns are especially likely to get it because their livers are still maturing. In older children and adults, it can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with liver conditions, gallbladder problems, or certain blood disorders.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Yellow color of the skin and the whites of the eyes
• Dark urine (like tea or cola)
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Itchy skin

Symptoms in children

• In addition to yellow skin and eyes, children may have a fever, feel very tired, or have stomach pain.
• They might also have dark urine and pale stools.

Symptoms in older adults

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Confusion or drowsiness (can be a sign of a serious liver problem)
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Liver problems: such as hepatitis (inflammation of the liver, often from a virus), cirrhosis (scarring of the liver from alcohol or other causes), or liver damage from certain medicines.
• Blockage of the bile ducts: often caused by gallstones that get stuck, or sometimes by a tumor (like pancreatic cancer).
• Blood problems: such as hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are broken down too quickly, overwhelming the liver.

Risk factors

• Drinking too much alcohol over time
• Having a family history of liver or gallbladder disease
• Being exposed to hepatitis viruses (through unsafe sex, shared needles, or contaminated food/water)
• Taking certain medications that can affect the liver

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice yellow skin or eyes, it is best to see a doctor that day or the next, especially if you have other symptoms like stomach pain, fever, or dark urine.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If the yellow color is very mild and you have no other symptoms, you can make a routine appointment within a week. But it is still important to get it checked.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, health history, and any medicines you take. They will also do a physical exam, paying close attention to your skin, eyes, and abdomen.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests: to measure bilirubin levels and check how well your liver is working (liver function tests).
• Urine test: to look for bilirubin in the urine.
• Imaging tests: such as an ultrasound of the abdomen to see the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
• Sometimes: a CT scan or MRI, or a liver biopsy (taking a tiny sample of liver tissue) if needed.

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosis usually starts with simple blood and urine tests in your doctor's office or a local clinic. If needed, you may be referred to a specialist (a gastroenterologist or hepatologist) for further tests. Most tests are painless or cause only minor discomfort.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on what is causing the jaundice. The goal is to address the underlying problem. For example, if a virus is causing hepatitis, you may need rest and fluids. If gallstones are blocking the bile duct, you may need a procedure to remove them.

Self-care at home

• Stop drinking alcohol completely unless your doctor says it is safe.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits.
• Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
• Avoid any medicines that could harm your liver, including some over-the-counter pain relievers (talk to your doctor or pharmacist).

Medical treatments

Medical treatment may include medications to treat an infection (like antiviral drugs for hepatitis) or to help the body get rid of excess bilirubin. In some cases, a procedure called an ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) can remove gallstones from the bile duct. Phototherapy (special lights) is used for newborns with severe jaundice. Your doctor will explain the best treatment for your specific situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed to remove a blocked gallbladder, to fix bile duct blockages that cannot be treated with ERCP, or to remove a tumor causing jaundice. This is not common for all causes, but your doctor will tell you if it is an option for you.

Living with this condition

If you have jaundice, get plenty of rest and follow your doctor's advice. You may need to take time off work or school until you feel better. Keep track of any changes in your symptoms.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not drink alcohol without talking to your doctor first.
• Avoid taking any new medications or supplements without checking with your healthcare provider.
• Wash your hands often to prevent infections that could affect your liver.

Diet and exercise

Eat a healthy diet low in processed foods and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Gentle exercise like walking can help you feel better, but rest when you are tired.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Jaundice can be worrying and may make you feel anxious or down. It is normal to be concerned. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling. They can offer support or refer you to a counselor if needed.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting jaundice by taking care of your liver. Avoid heavy drinking, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B (if recommended by your doctor), practice safe sex, and do not share needles. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.

Vaccines

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines can help prevent some viral causes of liver inflammation that lead to jaundice. Ask your doctor if these vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

If you have a family history of liver disease or are at high risk, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to check your liver function. This can help catch problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Liver damage can get worse, leading to cirrhosis or liver failure.
• In newborns, very high bilirubin can cause brain damage (kernicterus).
• Blockages in the bile duct can cause serious infections.

Long-term outlook

Many people with jaundice recover fully once the underlying cause is treated. With early medical care, the outlook is often very good. Even serious causes like liver disease can be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes, leading to a good quality of life.

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