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Jaundice
Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, caused by a build-up of bilirubin. It is a sign of an underlying problem in the liver, blood or bile ducts.
Causes & risk factors
- Liver disease — hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver
- Blocked bile ducts — gallstones or a tumour
- Rapid breakdown of red blood cells (haemolysis)
- Some medicines and infections
- Newborn jaundice (a common, separate condition in babies)
Common symptoms
- Yellow skin and whites of the eyes
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Itchy skin
- Tiredness
- Tummy pain, depending on the cause
- Fever if there is infection
Tests & diagnosis
- Bilirubin
- LFT
- CBC
- Liver and bile-duct ultrasound
- Hepatitis screen and further imaging (MRCP) if needed
Treatment & management
- Treat the underlying cause rather than the colour itself
- Clear a blocked bile duct — endoscopy (ERCP) or surgery
- Treat hepatitis or stop a causative medicine
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
- Newborn jaundice may need phototherapy
When to see a doctor urgently
- New yellowing of the eyes or skin — get assessed promptly
- Jaundice with high fever, chills or severe tummy pain
- Confusion, drowsiness or easy bruising
- Jaundice in a newborn baby
Frequently asked questions
Is jaundice a disease?
No — it is a sign, not a disease. It means bilirubin has built up, so the important step is finding and treating the underlying cause in the liver, blood or bile ducts.
Is jaundice contagious?
Jaundice itself is not contagious, but some causes, such as viral hepatitis A, B or C, can spread. Testing identifies the cause and whether precautions are needed.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.