Jaundice is a yellow color in the skin and mucous membranes due to an increased level of bilirubin. It's most easily visible in the eyes and is a common symptom of liver dysfunction.
Bilirubin Level
The bilirubin level in the blood is normally about 0.5 mg of bilirubin/dL of blood. The yellow skin coloration usually isn't visible until the bilirubin level is at least 7 mg/dL.
Yellow Eyes
Jaundice is most easily observed in the whites (sclerae) of the eyes. The yellow color actually occurs in the conjunctival membranes that lie over the sclerae.
Skin Color
Changes in skin color due to elevated bilirubin levels are typically much harder to detect than in the eyes. This may only occur in cases of severe jaundice, depending on the patient's natural skin color.
Neonatal Jaundice
Newborns frequently have jaundice beginning approximately two days after birth and lasting for about six days. Premature infants may have jaundice until day 14.
Additional Color Changes
Yellow skin color may also be caused by eating large quantities of vegetables, such as carrots or corn. However, this won't affect the color of the mucous membranes.
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