Jaundice is a condition where the skin and sometimes the white part of the eye turn yellow. This change of skin color yellow is alarming since it is often a symptom of other severe underlying diseases in the body. One such disease that causes yellow discoloration of the skin, yellow spots on skin, or even general skin yellowness is jaundice.
In this blog, we will be looking at the possible causes of yellow skin, the effects on general health, and the possible cure.
What Causes Yellow Skin?
Jaundice, which gives a yellow color skin tone, is caused by an overproduction of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells are metabolized. Usually, bilirubin is metabolized in the liver and is excreted in the feces. However, when this process is interrupted – due to liver disease, a blocked bile duct, or the breakdown of red blood cells – the bilirubin accumulates in the blood, and a yellow blotch on skin may appear.
Some common causes of yellow spots on skin include:
- Liver Diseases: Hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer all affect bilirubin metabolism and hence the yellow skin.
- Gallbladder Issues: Obstruction of the bile ducts by gallstones or tumors leads to the accumulation of bilirubin, which causes jaundice.
- Blood Disorders: Hemolytic anemia leads to the rapid destruction of red blood cells, which overloads the liver and causes jaundice.
- Newborn Jaundice: The reason for the skin color yellow in newborns is an immature liver, and is not a severe condition.
- Medications: Some of the drugs may cause the skin tone yellow as one of the side effects. For instance, some antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and anti-seizure medications may cause liver dysfunction or increase the rate of red blood cell destruction and lead to jaundice.
Recognizing the Symptoms
There are several reasons for the skin color yellow change. Some may experience only slight discoloration, such as yellowing of the skin, yellow spots on skin, and some may have a patch of yellow skin. In others, the entire skin may change to a yellow color skin tone.
In addition to the visible yellowing, you might also experience other symptoms depending on the underlying cause:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Pale stools
- Itchy skin
Such symptoms, coupled with yellow skin, may indicate that there is an issue with your liver, gallbladder, or blood.
What to Do If You Notice Yellow Skin?
If your skin has turned yellow, then it is high time you sought the services of a doctor. Yellow skin is a sign of some serious disease that should be treated as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely conduct a series of tests to determine the cause, which might include:
- Blood Tests:
For assessing the liver function, the level of bilirubin, and the state of your red blood cells. - Imaging Tests:
Imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts can be done. - Liver Biopsy:
Sometimes, a biopsy is done, in which a small part of the liver is taken to examine for disease or injury.
Treatment Options
It is important to know the cause to manage and treat this condition or a patch of yellow skin:
Liver Conditions:
If the yellowing is a result of liver disease, then the treatment may include giving the patient medication for the disease, changing his or her diet, and avoiding alcohol. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be done.
Gallbladder Issues:
If gallstones or a blocked bile duct is the problem, then you may need surgery to have your gallbladder removed or the duct cleared.
Blood Disorders:
Some of the treatments may include the use of drugs to regulate the process of destruction of red blood cells, or in severe cases, a transfusion may be done.
Newborn Jaundice:
In less severe cases, the treatment may involve placing the baby under light (phototherapy), which will help break down the bilirubin. In severe cases, the patient might be required to undergo a blood transfusion.
Medication Side Effects:
If the medication is causing your skin tone yellow, then your doctor may advise you to stop using it or suggest an alternative.
Conclusion
Yellow skin is a symptom of various different diseases, some of which are severe. If you see yellow spots on skin, a patch of yellow skin, or the skin may turn yellow in general, then these signs should be observed and reported. By knowing the possible factors that lead to this condition and ways to safeguard your liver and body, you can prevent getting jaundice which has signs like yellow blotch on skin.
