A 22-year-old male asked:
does jaundice only affect the outer layer of skin or is it all layers? also where does it start?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. A. tarig Ahmed answered
Internal Medicine 15 years experience
Jaundice: Jaundice is caused by deposition of bilirubin. In the skin, when it deposits in the outer layers. You can also see it in the eyes.
4167 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 43-year-old member asked:
Is having yellow skin hereditary?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Cummings answered
Neonatology 39 years experience
Yes: There are conditions leading to jaundice (yellow skin) that are genetic, and therefore hereditary, but these are very uncommon. Most jaundice occurs due to normal processes in the newborn and is not hereditary, although depending on the mother's blood type the risk of jaundice in subsequent pregnancies may be increased.
6366 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
I've been feeling more tired and have some yellow skin. When should I see the doctor?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Elizabeth Yen answered
Pediatric Gastroenterology 20 years experience
Right away: Having yellow skin, or jaundice, is a sign of liver malfunction (like from hepatitis) or blockage of the bile ducts. The combination of jaundice and fatigue make a viral or autoimmune hepatitis a likely diagnosis. Lab tests and an abdominal ultrasound are needed. It's important to be seen right away.
6026 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
What conditions could cause someone to have yellow skin?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Roman Bronfenbrener answered
Dermatology 9 years experience
Liver or bile diseas: Liver disease, biliary disease, or blood disease can cause a person to develop yellow or jaundiced skin.
5692 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Why do I get yellow skin after drinking?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Alan Ali answered
Psychiatry 32 years experience
Yellow skin: This is most likely jaundice due to liver toxicity (hepatitis or cirrhosis) due to increase bilirubin in the blood since the damaged liver cells cannot break it down.
5638 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 59-year-old female asked:
Have 2 yellow skin marks what could cause it ?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Vivek Huilgol answered
Gastroenterology 35 years experience
Not sure: Where are they? Was there an injury at the site? Are they the only yellow sites or are you yellow elsewhere - i.e. Is it jaundice? Are they around the eye(s) or on the palsm - if s they may represent cholesterol deposits. You shudl be seen by someone who can make a determination - i suggest a dermatologist if your primary md isn't sure.
5190 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Last updated Apr 20, 2014
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