What does jaundice feel like with hepatitis C?

The colour change is often easiest to see in the whites of the eyes. Skin may look yellow, while urine becomes darker and stools lighter as bile handling changes. Itching can be widespread. You may also feel tired, lose your appetite, feel nauseated, or notice a dull ache beneath the right ribs. Some people with hepatitis C have few or no symptoms, so the absence of jaundice does not exclude the infection.

Jaundice has several possible causes. A medical assessment and testing are needed to distinguish hepatitis C from other liver, blood, or bile-duct conditions.

Seek medical assessment for new yellowing, dark urine, or pale stools. Testing can check for hepatitis C and assess how your liver is working; treatment decisions depend on the results and your health history. Avoid alcohol and check every medicine, supplement, or herbal product with a clinician before using it. Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or anything that may carry blood, and cover open cuts.

Go to urgent care for confusion, severe drowsiness, fainting, severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, unusual bleeding, or rapidly worsening jaundice. These signs may indicate a serious liver problem. Arrange prompt testing after a possible blood exposure even if you feel well.

Ask which tests are needed, whether your liver needs imaging or repeat blood work, and which treatments are appropriate. Ask how to protect others from blood exposure, whether household contacts need advice, and what specific changes should prompt emergency care.