Is Jaundice Contagious? What You Need To Know

Jaundice (Yellow or pale skin) is not a disease; it is a symptom of an underlying blood or liver disorder!

Jaundice is a yellowish discolouration of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes caused by high bilirubin levels (a yellowish pigment found in the bile, a fluid made by the liver). The level of bilirubin in the blood determines the colour tone. When bilirubin levels are mildly increased, the skin/whites of the eyes are yellowish; when levels are high, they are brownish.

Will Jaundice Spread From One Person to Another?

Jaundice isn't contagious, but the underlying conditions that cause it can be. Let's clear this!

Fluid build-up in the body produces this condition, which results in yellow skin and eyes. The condition isn't harmful in and of itself, but it can indicate a number of diseases that should be treated by a medical professional. However, it's essential to understand the details about jaundice, including its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

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What Causes Jaundice?

The liver's major role is to eliminate bilirubin, a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells. When the liver fails to take it from the bloodstream, metabolises it, and excrete it as bile, it causes jaundice.

Therefore, suffering from jaundice could be an indication of:

A defect in the liver that prevents it from extracting and eliminating bilirubin.
Hepatitis B and C or other liver infections that damage liver function.
Liver diseases like cirrhosis or fatty liver that reduce the liver's ability to process bilirubin.
Bile duct blockage (Cancer, gallstones, or bile duct inflammation can all block the bile duct.)
There is too much bilirubin created for the liver to eliminate from the blood (For example, in case of malaria where there is rapid destruction of red blood corpuscles, very high levels of bilirubin are produced).
Genetic disorders (e.g., Gilbert's syndrome or Crigler-Najjar syndrome) that affect bilirubin metabolism.
Alcohol abuse or certain medications that harm the liver and interfere with bilirubin clearance.

Causes that Aren't Contagious

Not all health conditions spread from one person to another. Some issues are caused by factors like genetics, lifestyle, or environmental triggers. Examples include:

Genetic conditions: Inherited disorders such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis.
Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of exercise, or smoking leading to health problems.
Chronic diseases: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Environmental exposure: Allergies or asthma triggered by pollution, dust, or chemicals.
Autoimmune disorders: The immune system attacking the body, such as in lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs and Symptoms of Jaundice

The severity of symptoms depends on the underlying causes. If you have jaundice for a short period of time (typically caused by infection), you may have the following symptoms and signs:

Yellow staining of the skin and tongue
Clay-coloured and foul-smelling faeces
Loss of appetite
Slow pulse
Deep yellow-coloured urine
Fever and headache
Undue fatigue
Nausea and severe constipation
Itchy skin and having a bitter taste

Prevention and Treatment of Jaundice

Here are some ways to prevent jaundice:

Get immunised against Hepatitis B
Prefer to eat in hygienic places
Limit alcohol consumption
Deep yellow-coloured urine
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through intercourse, therefore practise safe sex

As previously stated, jaundice is an indication of a disease!

So, if you suspect any symptoms of jaundice, you must visit a doctor. The treatment requires the diagnosis of the specific cause of jaundice.

A light diet rich in fruits and vegetables, as well as plenty of fluids such as fruit juices, tender coconut water, and buttermilk, is typically recommended to relieve the strain on your sluggish liver.

Jaundice Warning

If diagnosed with jaundice, say no to alcohol, fried or heavy foods. Jaundice can be serious when bilirubin levels are very high in the body and it can lead to complications such as liver failure, and sepsis.

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Citations

Evaluation and Treatment of Jaundice in the Term Newborn: A Kinder, Gentler Approach

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, newborn babies can develop jaundice due to their immature liver function, but it is usually temporary and not contagious.

No, jaundice is not contagious. It is a symptom of underlying health conditions affecting the liver, not a virus or bacteria that can spread from person to person.

Jaundice itself is a symptom and not always serious, but it can indicate underlying health problems that need medical attention.

Yes, if jaundice is caused by infectious hepatitis (like hepatitis A or B), it can spread through contact with infected blood, fluids, or food.

Only jaundice caused by infectious hepatitis can spread. Other types, like those from liver disease or blocked bile ducts, are not contagious.

Preventing jaundice involves managing liver health by avoiding excessive alcohol intake, and engaging in safe sexual behavior to avoid hepatitis and maintaining a healthy diet and weight.

There is a vaccine for hepatitis A & B, which are viral infections that can cause jaundice. Vaccination can help prevent these infections.

Jaundice may return if the underlying cause, such as liver disease, is not fully treated or if there are recurring infections or other health issues.

The duration of jaundice depends on its cause. Some types of jaundice, like that in newborns, may resolve on their own, while others require ongoing management.