Yellowed skin: causes, what to do and when to go to the doctor

Yellowish skin can be a symptom of several liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, for example, especially if the person also has the white part of the eyes yellow, in which case the yellowish skin is called jaundice. However, yellow skin can also be a sign of other diseases such as anemia or anorexia nervosa.

In addition, the high intake of foods rich in beta-carotene such as carrots or papayas can also cause yellow skin, however, in these cases, the eyes do not turn yellow, only the skin.

If the person has yellow skin and eyes it is important to go to the emergency room so that tests can be carried out in order to identify the cause.

Main causes

Yellowish skin can be a symptom of several conditions, the main ones being:

1. Hepatitis

Hepatitis is the most common cause of jaundice and corresponds to inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, continued use of medications or autoimmune disease, leading to symptoms such as yellow skin, abdominal pain and swelling, slight fever, itching, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. See what are the symptoms of hepatitis.

What to do: The treatment of hepatitis should be done according to the medical recommendation, and the use of medication or rest, adequate nutrition and hydration depending on the cause of the hepatitis may be recommended. Learn all about hepatitis.

2. Liver failure

Liver failure happens when the liver is unable to perform its normal functions such as detoxifying the body, for example. In this case, in addition to jaundice, the person usually presents swelling of the body, body pain, bleeding and ascites, which is the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen.

What to do: It is important to consult the hepatologist to discover the cause of the disease and establish the best form of treatment, which is often done through liver transplantation. See when the liver transplant is indicated and how is the recovery.

3. Cyst in the liver

The cyst is a fluid-filled cavity and the liver normally does not produce symptoms, however, in some cases, it can lead to the yellowish appearance of the skin, in addition to the abdomen, sudden weight loss, fever above 38ºC and tiredness.

What to do: The cyst in the liver usually does not need specific treatment, but if it gradually increases in size and causes symptoms, surgical removal may be necessary. Learn more about cyst in the liver.

4. Liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis corresponds to chronic and progressive liver inflammation characterized by the destruction of liver cells, which can cause yellow skin and yellow eyes, whitish nails, bad breath, prominent and visible veins in the abdomen and abdominal swelling. Find out what are liver cirrhosis symptoms, causes and how the diagnosis is made.

What to do: The treatment for liver cirrhosis varies according to the cause, however it is important to maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains, as they are easy to digest. Understand how the treatment for cirrhosis is done.

5. Gallstones

Gallbladder stones are formed due to the accumulation of calcium and cholesterol inside the gallbladder and can cause an infection in the gallbladder, called cholangitis, which causes jaundice, fever above 38ºC, severe pain in the abdomen, back pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Find out what are the 7 main causes of gallstones.

What to do: The treatment can be done using medicines, surgery and an adequate diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, salads and whole products.

6. Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a type of hereditary anemia in which there is a malformation of red blood cells, which have their shape changed, causing deficiency in the transport of oxygen to the cells of the body, which can cause jaundice, swelling and redness of the hands and feet, as well as pain in bones and joints. Understand the causes and how to control sickle cell anemia.

What to do: The treatment of sickle cell anemia is done according to the guidance of the hematologist and usually involves the use of medications and blood transfusions for life.

7. Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic and hereditary blood disease that causes, besides skin and yellow eyes, symptoms such as tiredness, anemia, weakness and growth retardation.

What to do: Thalassemia has no cure, however the treatment is done according to the severity of the symptoms, with blood transfusions and the use of folic acid supplements. See how thalassemia treatment is done.

8. Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by exaggerated and sudden weight loss with distortion of body image, and it is common for anorexic individuals to have dry and yellow skin, as well as hair loss or thin and brittle hair.

What to do: Treatment involves group, family and behavioral therapy, in addition to nutritional monitoring, usually with the intake of dietary supplements to suppress nutritional deficiencies. Understand how treatment for anorexia is done.

9. Excessive intake of beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant present in many foods, being mainly responsible for improving the immune system, in addition to helping to improve the tan. Thus, excessive consumption of foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, papayas, squash, tomatoes and broccoli, for example, can lead to the yellowish appearance of the skin. See which foods are rich in beta-carotene.

What to do: The best way to make the skin return to normal color is to reduce the consumption of these foods and look for other foods that have the same properties. Learn how colorful eating can improve health.

10. Neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice corresponds to the presence of yellowish skin in babies in the first days of life and happens due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which should be treated even in the hospital and, in more severe cases, preferably in the neonatal ICU.

What to do: The treatment of jaundice in the baby is still done in the hospital through phototherapy, which consists of exposing the baby to a light for a few days in order to decrease the blood concentration of bilirubin. Understand what the newborn jaundice is and how the treatment is done.

When to go to the doctor

It is important to go to the doctor as soon as the yellowed skin is noticed. In addition, it is important to be aware of other symptoms that may indicate problems with the liver, gallbladder or pancreas, such as:

• Fever; Whitish or orange stools; Dark urine; Weakness; Excessive tiredness.

The hepatologist, gastroenterologist and endocrinologist are the most suitable doctors to guide the treatment of yellowish skin according to the cause, which can be done by means of dietary reeducation, medications or surgery.