Understand Yellow Skin (Jaundice) Symptom and its Causes

Yellow skin, known as jaundice, is commonly seen in newborns, typically resolving as their liver matures. In adults, yellow skin can signal various health conditions, particularly those affecting the liver.


What is Yellow Skin?

  • Yellow skin is most commonly caused by jaundice, which occurs when there is a high level of bilirubin in the blood.
  • Bilirubin is a yellowish compound that forms when old or damaged red blood cells break down.
  • Bilirubin build-up is known as hyperbilirubinemia and causes yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes.
  • Jaundice is a medical term describing the yellowing of the eyes and skin. Jaundice is not a disease itself, but it is a sign of some possible underlying diseases.
  • It occurs when the system absorbs too much bilirubin. Dead red blood cells in the liver break down to produce bilirubin, a yellow pigment. Normally, along with existing red blood cells, the liver eliminates bilirubin.
  • It can show a serious problem with the function of the red blood cells, liver, gallbladder, or pancreas

What are the Types of Jaundice?

There are three main types of:

  • Hepatocellular jaundice occurs because of infection or damage to the liver.
  • Hemolytic jaundice occurs because of hemolysis or an accelerated breakdown of red blood cells, increasing bilirubin production.
  • Because of an obstruction of the bile duct, obstructive jaundice occurs. This stops leaving the liver with bilirubin.

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

What are the Symptoms of Yellow Skin?

  • Yellowish skin tone, ranging from pale yellow to deep orange.
  • Yellowing of the eyes.
  • Light or clay-coloured stool.
  • Dark urine, resembling tea or cola.
  • Itchy skin due to bilirubin buildup.
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Abdominal pain, particularly around the liver.

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, you may have what is called unconjugated jaundice due to increased bilirubin levels caused by:

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

Jaundice during bilirubin production may result from:

Medicines include the toxicity of acetaminophen, penicillins, oral contraception, Thorazine (chlorpromazine), and estrogenic or anabolic steroids.

Jaundice may arise from a bile duct obstruction or occlusion after bilirubin is produced by:

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

What are the Risk Factors of Yellow Skin?

Acute inflammation of the liver: This can affect the liver's ability to conjugate and secrete bilirubin, resulting in accumulation.

  • Inflammation of the bile duct: This can prevent the secretion of bile and the elimination of bilirubin, which causes jaundice.
  • Bile duct obstruction: This prevents the liver from removing bilirubin.
  • Hemolytic anaemia: Bilirubin production increases when large amounts of red blood cells are broken down.
  • Gilbert's syndrome: This is an inherited condition that affects the ability of enzymes to process the excretion of bile.
  • Cholestasis: This interrupts the liver's bile flow. Bile that contains conjugated bilirubin remains in the liver rather than being excreted.

How Yellow Skin is Diagnosed?

  • To detect and verify bilirubin levels, doctors will most likely use the medical records of the patient and a physical test.
  • 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 properly or not.

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 tests: tests for a variety of liver infections.
  • The doctor will examine the structure of the liver if he suspects an obstruction. In these cases, they will use imaging tests, including MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds .
  • They may also perform endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This is a procedure that combines endoscopy and X-rays.
  • A liver biopsy can detect inflammation, cirrhosis, cancer, and fatty liver. To generate a tissue sample, this test requires sticking a needle into the liver. Under a microscope, the sample is then tested.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

What is the Treatment of 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 amount of iron in the blood, either by taking iron supplements or by eating more iron-rich foods.
  • Hepatitis-induced jaundice requires antiviral or steroid medications.
  • Doctors can treat obstruction-induced jaundice by surgically removing the obstruction.
  • So if the use of a drug has induced jaundice, treatments involve changing to an alternative drug.
  • 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 end stage of chronic 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.

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:

The cause of jaundice can be identified by a gastroenterologist and suitable treatment options are prescribed. Ignoring the problem will only allow the cause to get worse, which could lead to serious symptoms or even death.


What are the Home Remedies?

  • Sugarcane helps with the proper functioning of the liver and digestion. A glass of sugarcane juice will help the patient recover quickly.
  • Tomatoes have lycopene, which reduces the risk of liver disease. To treat 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 the distilled juice every day.
  • Make a paste from papaya leaves and add honey. One should eat this regularly for about two weeks.
  • Spinach, as we all know, has an excess of iron; spinach juice would also be beneficial. Some chopped spinach leaves, along with carrots, will be an effective home remedy.
  • They do not contain fat and are therefore good for digestion. 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 are beneficial for both adults and babies. The presence of antibodies in it helps to treat.
  • 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 to treat.
Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment
Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sign of jaundice?

Jaundice is when it turns yellow on your skin and the whites of your eyes. It can be a sign of something serious, such as liver disease, so you need to seek urgent medical help.

Is jaundice an emergency?

Abdominal pain or fever, along with jaundice, may indicate a potentially fatal condition.

Can Lack of Sleep Cause

Yellow Skin? If your body doesn't get enough oxygen, you may feel more tired and lethargic. It can also affect your skin by making it pale or yellow.

Is yellow skin a sign of infection?

Most cases of infection clear up on their own after a few weeks, but in rare cases, the infection can cause liver failure.

What is the problem with yellow skin tone?

The problem of yellow skin tone, medically known as jaundice, is often indicative of an underlying health issue involving the liver, gallbladder, or red blood cells.

What does yellow skin indicate?

Yellow skin typically indicates an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of old red blood cells. When there's an accumulation of bilirubin, it can manifest as yellowing of the skin, sclera (white part of the eyes), and mucous membranes.

Why did the skin turn yellow?

The skin turns yellow due to the buildup of bilirubin in the body. This buildup can occur for various reasons, including liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, obstruction of bile ducts, hemolytic anaemia (increased breakdown of red blood cells), or other conditions affecting the liver's ability to process bilirubin effectively.

What helps with yellow skin?

Treatment for yellow skin depends on the underlying cause. Addressing the root cause of the excess bilirubin is essential. This might involve medications to treat liver or gallbladder conditions, addressing infections, or interventions to remove obstructions in the bile ducts. In severe cases, medical procedures such as liver transplants may be necessary.

How can I reduce my yellow skin?

To reduce yellow skin, it's crucial to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle that supports liver function, such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and managing any existing medical conditions,can help support overall liver health and may aid in reducing yellow skin tone over time.

Whats app Health Packages Book an Appointment Second Opinion