Jaundice

Yellowing of Skin and Eyes

Moderate severity15% reported by patientsICD-10: R17

Summary

A yellow discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes caused by elevated bilirubin in the blood.

What is it?

Jaundice results from bilirubin accumulation in tissues when it is overproduced (hemolysis), inadequately processed by the liver (hepatocellular disease), or unable to be excreted (biliary obstruction). The yellowing is typically first noticed in the whites of the eyes (scleral icterus) before skin involvement. In adults, new-onset jaundice is always a significant finding requiring prompt evaluation. Common causes include hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, drug-induced), gallstones obstructing the bile duct, and pancreatic cancer (painless jaundice in an older adult is a red flag).

Common causes

Liver Disease

  • Viral hepatitis (A, B, C)
  • Alcoholic liver disease / cirrhosis
  • Drug-induced liver injury (acetaminophen, statins, isoniazid)
  • Autoimmune hepatitis

Biliary Obstruction

  • Gallstones (choledocholithiasis)
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Cholangiocarcinoma
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Hemolytic

  • Sickle cell disease
  • G6PD deficiency
  • Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • Transfusion reactions

Neonatal

  • Physiologic neonatal jaundice
  • Breast milk jaundice
  • Rh incompatibility

When to see a doctor

  • 1Any new-onset jaundice in an adult — always warrants prompt medical evaluation
  • 2Jaundice with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and chills (Charcot's triad — biliary obstruction with infection)
  • 3Painless jaundice in an older adult — rule out pancreatic or biliary cancer
  • 4Jaundice with altered mental status — hepatic encephalopathy
  • 5Neonatal jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours or lasting more than 2 weeks

What you can do

  • ✓Avoid alcohol completely until the cause of jaundice is identified and resolved
  • ✓Stop all potentially hepatotoxic supplements and medications until evaluated
  • ✓Maintain adequate hydration and nutrition — liver disease impairs metabolism
  • ✓Jaundice itself is a symptom, not a diagnosis — professional evaluation is essential

Conditions that cause this symptom

Hepatitis CB18.2Alcohol Use DisorderF10.20AnemiaD64.9

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Ursodiol

Bile acid for cholestatic liver disease and gallstones

Sofosbuvir-Velpatasvir

Direct-acting antiviral for hepatitis C

Frequently asked questions

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health provider with questions about your symptoms or medical conditions.

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