Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Bilirubin is a yellow substance made when red blood cells are broken down. The liver processes it and bile carries it into the digestive system. Jaundice can develop when the liver is inflamed or injured, when bile flow is blocked, or when blood cells are breaking down more quickly than usual. Dark urine, pale stools, itching, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, and tiredness can offer useful clues.

Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C can present with jaundice. Gallstones can also cause jaundice when a stone blocks bile flow. Yellowing alone cannot establish which condition is responsible.

Arrange medical assessment as soon as you notice new yellowing of the eyes or skin. A clinician may examine your abdomen and order blood tests, urine tests, or imaging to assess bilirubin, liver function, and bile ducts. Until you are assessed, avoid alcohol and do not start herbal products or non-prescribed medicines without checking, as some can affect the liver.

Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever with shaking chills, bleeding, or marked sleepiness. Urgent review is also needed when jaundice appears during pregnancy, in a newborn, after travel with fever, or alongside unexplained weight loss. These warning signs require assessment regardless of the suspected cause.

Ask what may be affecting bilirubin processing or bile drainage, which tests are being arranged, and which symptoms should prompt emergency care. Mention recent travel, alcohol intake, all medicines and supplements, previous liver problems, and any change in stool or urine colour.