Overview

Jaundice is yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. It's caused by a pigment, or colouring, called bilirubin. This comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. When your liver is healthy, it removes the pigment from your blood. But if the liver isn't working right, pigment can build up in the blood. Then it can get into the skin and other tissues.

Many diseases can cause jaundice. These include hepatitis, gallstones, and cancer of the pancreas. Liver damage from heavy drinking over a long time can also cause it. Some medicines can cause jaundice. And jaundice can be caused by the rapid destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia).

The treatment for jaundice depends on the cause. You may need medicine to treat an infection. Or you may need to have your gallbladder removed. Some people need to stop drinking alcohol. If another disease is causing jaundice, treating the disease usually takes care of the jaundice. If a medicine you take is causing jaundice, your doctor may switch you to another one.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Follow your doctor's general advice for how to take care of yourself. Rest when you need it. Eat a variety of healthy foods. And drink plenty of water (unless your doctor tells you not to).
• Avoid alcohol. Your doctor may say to not drink any alcohol until your jaundice is gone. If your jaundice is caused by drinking alcohol, talk with your doctor if you need help to quit. Counselling, support groups, and sometimes medicines can help.
• Do not take any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines and natural health products, without talking to your doctor first.
• Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take. Some medicines, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can make liver problems worse.
• If you have itchy skin, taking warm baths and putting moisturizing creams on your skin may help. If this doesn't help, talk to your doctor about medicines that can be used for itching. Follow the instructions on the label.
• If itching affects your sleep, ask your doctor if you can take an antihistamine that might reduce itching and make you sleepy, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Read and follow all instructions on the label.