Friday, February, 10, 2012

Jaundice - yellow skin

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Yellow skin and eyes; Skin - yellow; Icterus; Eyes - yellow; Jaundice


Home Care

The cause of jaundice must be determined before treatment can be given. Follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.


Call your health care provider if

All jaundice in a child or adult should be medically evaluated. Always call your doctor if jaundice is present.


What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will perform a physical examination. To help diagnose the cause of yellow skin, your health care provider will ask medical history questions, such as:

  • Is the inside of the mouth (mucus membranes) yellow?
  • Are the eyes yellow?
  • When did the jaundice start?
  • Has the jaundice occurred repeatedly?
  • What other symptoms are present?

The following diagnostic tests may be performed:

  • Blood serum bilirubin
  • Complete blood count
  • Liver biopsy
  • Liver function tests and cholesterol
  • Prothrombin time
  • Ultrasound of the abdomen
  • Urine and fecal urobilinogen

Review Date: 01/29/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)