Early Signs of Jaundice

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines jaundice as a liver condition that allows the bilirubin (an agent that assists in red blood cell creation) level in the blood to become higher than normal. This creates a yellowish skin color. Jaundice has many causes. Newborn babies frequently experience the condition before the liver becomes fully operational. Adult jaundice usually is related to a medical condition.

Skin Color

The NIH states that a yellow tint to the skin color is a sign of jaundice.

Eyes

The whites of the eyes will reflect a yellow color with jaundice. "People with true jaundice often have a yellowish tinge to the eyes," according to the NIH.

Flu-Like Symptoms

Adults may not have the typical jaundice indicators of yellow skin and eyes, but instead may have flu symptoms, including chills and fever. These symptoms become worse over time.

Abdominal Pain

Adult jaundice sufferers may have abdominal pain. This is associated with jaundice created by hepatitis and cancers affecting the biliary tract, according to an article, "Jaundice in the Adult Patient," published in American Family Physician in 2004.

Abnormal Stool Color

Stools and sometimes the urine of babies and adults with jaundice will vary from the normal range. Babies typically will have pale stools while the color of adult stools will vary with the condition creating the jaundice.