Any of several diseases or conditions that can cause yellow skin ( jaundice ).

Alternative Names

Conditions associated with jaundice

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Jaundice is a symptom where the skin and the eyes become yellow. It is associated with the accumulation of bilirubin in the skin. This is most often caused by liver and gallbladder disorders. Jaundice-associated conditions include:

viral hepatitis (

Hepatitis A , Hepatitis B , Hepatitis C , Hepatitis D , and Hepatitis E)

obstruction of the bile ducts (by infection,

tumor , biliary stricture or gallstones )

pancreatic carcinoma

(

cancer of the pancreas )

cirrhosis (all causes)

primary biliary cirrhosis

autoimmune hepatitis

drug induced

cholestasis ( bile pools in the liver because of the effects of drugs)

drug induced

hepatitis (hepatitis triggered by medications)

ischemic hepatitis (jaundice caused by inadequate oxygen and/or inadequate blood flow to the liver)

Gilbert's syndrome

Dubin-Johnson syndrome

biliary atresia

newborn jaundice

congenital disorders of bilirubin

metabolism

intrahepatic cholestasis of

pregnancy (bile pools in the liver)

hemolytic anemia

malaria

For more information, see the symptom document about

jaundice , also see the individual diseases.

Signs and tests

Physical examination will show jaundice . Other signs may also be present, such as liver enlargement ( hepatomegaly ) with some of the disorders. Tests will vary but will probably include liver function tests to determine how well the liver is working. See the specific disorders.

Treatment

All of the jaundice-associated conditions required medical diagnosis and treatment (in some cases, the only treatment may be observation but ALWAYS consult with your health care provider first).

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome varies.

Complications

Complications vary, but can include liver failure (life-threatening).

Calling your health care provider

JAUNDICE IN AN INFANT, CHILD, OR ADULT SHOULD ALWAYS BE MEDICALLY EVALUATED!

Prevention

Prevention depends on the specific disorder.