Yellow Skin (Jaundice): Causes & When to Seek Help

Bilirubin build-up is known as hyperbilirubinemia and causes yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes andmucous membranes. Jaundice is not a disease itself, but it is a sign of some possible diseases.

What are the Types of Jaundice?

There are three main types of jaundice based on where the bilirubin metabolism is disrupted:

• Pre-hepatic Jaundice:This occurs when there is too much breakdown of red blood cells. A common cause can be diseases like malaria.
• Hepatic Jaundice:This type is related to problems with the liver malfunction. Conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis can lead to this kind of jaundice.
• Post-hepatic Jaundice:This occurs when bile ducts are blocked, which can be caused by things like gallstones or tumors.

What are the Causes of Yellow Skin?

It can be caused by a problem in any of the three phases of bilirubin production.

Before Bilirubin Production

• Resorption of a large hematoma (a collection of clotted or partially clotted blood under the skin)
• Hemolytic anemias (blood cells are destroyed and removed from the bloodstream before their normal lifespan is over)

During Bilirubin Production

• Viruses, including hepatitis A, chronic hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr virus infection (infectious mononucleosis)
• Alcohol
• Autoimmune disorders
• Rare genetic metabolic defects

Bile Duct Obstruction Or Occlusion After Bilirubin

• Gallstones
• Inflammation of the gallbladder
• Gallbladder cancer
• Pancreatic tumour

What are the Yellow Skin Symptoms?

Besides yellowing of the skin and eyes, other symptoms may include:

• Dark-colored urine
• Pale stools
• Itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting

What are the Risk Factors of Yellow Skin?

You may be at higher risk of developing yellow skin if you:

• Have a history of liver disease
• Abuse alcohol
• Use some medications like acetaminophen in excess
• Have hepatitis infections
• Have gallstones or pancreatic issues
• A newborn with an underdeveloped liver

When Should I Visit a Doctor?

The main reason to see a doctor about jaundice is not the condition itself but the cause. Jaundice in adults may be an indicator of a significant health concern. Possible causes include:

• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
• Bile duct obstruction
• Pancreatic cancer
• Congenital disorders
• Malaria
• Cirrhosis

A gastroenterologist can identify the cause of jaundice and suitable treatment options. Ignoring the problem will only allow the cause to get worse, which could lead to serious symptoms or even death.

How is Yellow Skin Diagnosed?

Doctors will most likely use the patient's medical records and a physical test to detect and verify bilirubin levels.

Phototherapy for jaundice involves using special light to destroy excess bilirubin in a baby's skin, which reduces yellowing.

They will pay close attention to the abdomen, palpate the tumours, and check the firmness of the liver.

Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver suggests a firm liver. A rock-hard liver suggests cancer.

Several tests can confirm jaundice. The first is a liver function test to determine whether the liver is working correctly.

If a doctor cannot find the cause, he or she may recommend blood tests to check bilirubin levels and the composition of the blood. These include:

• Bilirubin tests:A high level of unconjugated bilirubin compared to levels of conjugated bilirubin suggests hemolytic jaundice.
• Complete blood count(CBC):A complete blood count (CBC) measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• Hepatitis A, B and C testsfor various liver infections.

The doctor will examine the structure of the liver if he suspects an obstruction. In these cases, they will do MRIs, CT scans and ultrasounds.

They may also perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-rays.

Aliver biopsycan detect inflammation, cirrhosis, cancer and fatty liver. This test requires sticking a needle into the liver to generate a tissue sample. Under a microscope, the sample is then tested.

Normal Range for Jaundice

In healthy individuals, the bilirubin level in blood should be:

• Total Bilirubin:0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL
• Above 2.5 mg/dL:Usually, when yellow skin becomes noticeable

Babies may have higher levels temporarily, but it should normalize within a few days post-birth.

What are the Treatments for Yellow Skin?

Treatment of jaundice focuses on the cause rather than the symptoms. The following treatments are used:

• Anemia-induced jaundice can be treated by increasing the iron in the blood, either by taking iron supplements or eating more iron-rich foods.
• Hepatitis-induced jaundice requires antiviral or steroid medications.
• Doctors can treat obstruction-induced jaundice by surgically removing the obstruction.
• If a medicine has induced jaundice, treatments involve changing to an alternative medicine.
• If alcoholic beverages cause liver disease, stopping drinking will be crucial to resolving jaundice.
• Gallstones that cause jaundice may require treatment, which is usually the removal of the gallbladder.
• Liver cancer will require specialist treatment and may include radiation, chemotherapy, and other supportive therapy medications.
• Cirrhosis is the final stage of long-term liver disease and has many causes. Treatment for cirrhosis jaundice will depend on the type of liver disease present, but may include the use of corticosteroids or diuretics.

Foods to Avoid for Jaundice

For jaundice, it is important to avoid foods that can stress the liver and hinder recovery. These include:

• Fatty and Fried Foods
• Alcohol
• Processed Foods
• Sugary Foods and Drinks
• Caffeine
• Red Meat

A liver-friendly diet with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins is recommended for jaundice recovery. Always consult a specialist doctor for a personalized treatment plan.

What are the Home Remedies?

• Sugarcane supports liver health and digestion, and sugarcane juice aids quick recovery.
• Tomatoes have lycopene, which reduces the risk of liver disease. A glass of tomato juice blended with salt and pepper can be used every morning.
• In the case of jaundice, radish leaves should be used. It would be helpful to drink a glass of distilled juice every day.
• Make a paste from papaya leaves and add honey. One should eat this regularly for about two weeks.
• Spinach juice would also be beneficial. Some chopped spinach leaves and carrots will be an effective home remedy.
• Adding a pinch of salt, black pepper and cumin seeds would relieve the patient of the disease.
• Goat milk is rich in many vital nutrients that benefit adults and babies. The presence of antibodies in it helps treat it.
• The allicin in garlic exhibits strong antioxidant properties. This can help detoxify the liver, speeding recovery.
• Amla is high in nutrients such as vitamin C and many others. It is a powerful antioxidant and can be used in treatments.