Yellowish skin (jaundice) is one of signs of hepatitis, but is very unlikely that you have the disease from birth.
THE jaundice is caused by accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, which then deposits on the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes, leaving the skin and eyes yellow.
THE bilirubin is a yellow colored substance, resulting from hemoglobin metabolism (substance that gives red color to red blood cells).
Between the diseases which can leave the yellowish skin They are:
- Hepatitis;
- Hepatical cirrhosis;
- Hemochromatosis (a genetic disease that causes an excessive absorption of iron present in the diet);
- Gilbert syndrome (benign condition, also genetic, that causes an elevation in bilirubin levels);
- Liver cancer;
- Sickle cell anemia;
- Gallstones or bile tumors;
- Pancreatic cancer.
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In the chronic phase of Hepatitis B, for example, most people does not manifest symptoms. When these are present, they are caused by liver failure and cirrhosis, which can cause, in addition to yellowing of the skin and eyes, the following signals and symptons:
- Fluid accumulated in the abdomen (ascites);
- Swelling in the lower limbs;
- Increased spleen;
- Mental confusion.
Jaundice can have several causes and to detect them it is necessary to do laboratory tests specific. For this, consult a general practitioner, family doctor or go directly to a hepatologist. Only then will it be possible to carry out an appropriate treatment to eliminate the problem.
Read too:
High bilirubin: what can it be?
What is the test for bilirubin in the blood?
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A?
What are the symptoms of hepatitis B?
What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
