Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Jaundice: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Jaundice is a disorder in which the circulating bilirubin in the blood increases, thus causing the white parts of your eyes and the skin to turn yellow. Infants might develop this condition 2 or 4 days after their birth when the liver starts to work, while premature babies tend to suffer from jaundice several weeks later. Pets and adults might also develop jaundice because of an increased breakdown of the blood cells or liver dysfunction. In this post, we will you a comprehensive guide to jaundice symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Symptoms of Jaundice

Yellow Eyes and Skin

This is certainly the most obvious sign of jaundice. You might notice the yellow discoloration throughout the skin and of the white parts of your eyes. The color might start on your face and gradually spread to other body parts. You can check it with a mirror in a room with a lot of natural light. Avoid using light bulbs because the artificial illumination might cause some errors. Apply pressure gently to your nose or forehead and notice your skin’s color when releasing pressure. If you see a tinge of yellowness, then it might indicate jaundice. For babies, you can look at their gums, hands’ palms, or feet’s soles to check for similar signs. [1]