Jaundice

What is jaundice?

A jaundiced child has yellowish skin and sclera (the white part of the eyes). The most common cause of jaundice is hepatitis (a liver infection). Usually these infections are not serious, but they need to be checked by your health care provider.

This article does not cover newborn jaundice. See also Newborn Jaundice.

What is carotenemia?

Carotenemia is a harmless condition in which the skin turns a yellowish colour from eating a lot of certain foods. Unlike jaundice, the whites of the eyes will remain white. Your child's skin turns a yellow colour because of the pigment (carotene) found in yellow and green vegetables, as well as fruits such as oranges, apricots, and peaches. You do not need to have your child stop eating these foods unless you want to change your child's skin tone. After a return to a more normal diet, the carotenemia colour will disappear in 3 or 4 weeks. Even without dietary change, the skin color will gradually return to normal by 2 or 3 years of age.

When should you call your child's health care provider?

Call immediately if:

• your child has vomited any blood

• your child is confused or difficult to awaken

• your child is acting very sick