From the Guidelines
The medical term for yellow skin is jaundice. Jaundice occurs when there is excess bilirubin in the body, causing the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes to take on a yellowish color. Bilirubin is a yellow-orange pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it through bile into the intestines. When this process is disrupted, bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream and deposits in tissues, resulting in the characteristic yellow discoloration. Jaundice can be caused by various conditions including liver diseases (like hepatitis or cirrhosis), bile duct obstructions, certain blood disorders that increase red blood cell breakdown, or in newborns, an immature liver that cannot process bilirubin efficiently. If you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly as jaundice is often a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment, as seen in cases of malignant biliary obstruction which often presents with yellowing of the skin and sclera, darkening of the urine, and acholic stools 1. In some cases, yellow skin can also be associated with other conditions such as Erdheim-Chester disease, where cutaneous manifestations, including xanthelasma, can occur 1. However, the primary concern with yellow skin is the potential for underlying liver or bile duct disease, emphasizing the need for prompt medical evaluation. Key points to consider include:
- Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes
- It is caused by excess bilirubin in the body
- Liver diseases, bile duct obstructions, and certain blood disorders can cause jaundice
- Newborns with immature livers can also develop jaundice
- Erdheim-Chester disease can cause yellow skin due to cutaneous manifestations like xanthelasma
- Prompt medical attention is necessary to diagnose and treat underlying conditions.
From the Research
Medical Term for Yellow Skin
The medical term for yellow skin is jaundice, which is characterized by a yellow-orange hue of the skin caused by excessive circulating levels of bilirubin that accumulate in the skin 2.
Causes of Yellow Skin
There are several possible causes of yellow-orange discoloration of the skin, including:
- Hyperbilirubinemia due to liver disease or bile duct obstruction
- Hypercarotenemia, which is caused by an excess of carotenoids in the skin
- Lycopenemia, which is caused by an excess of lycopene in the skin
- Riboflavinemia, which is caused by an excess of riboflavin in the skin
- Certain medications, such as quinacrine, which can cause yellow-orange discoloration of the skin and sclerae 3
Diagnosis of Yellow Skin
To diagnose the cause of yellow skin, it is essential to examine both the skin and the sclerae. The presence or absence of scleral icterus can help determine the diagnosis. If the sclerae are yellow, it may indicate hyperbilirubinemia, while the absence of scleral icterus may suggest other causes, such as hypercarotenemia 3, 4.
Clinical Features of Yellow Skin Disorders
Yellow skin disorders can manifest with a range of clinical features, including: