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Published on: Jan 29, 2026
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Yellow Eyes And Skin Symptoms: Causes, Warning Signs And When To Seek Care

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Yellowing of the eyes and skin is one of the most noticeable physical changes a person can experience. Often referred to as jaundice, this symptom is not a disease by itself but a sign of underlying health conditions. Understanding yellow eyes and skin symptoms is essential because they frequently indicate problems involving the liver, blood or bile ducts and may require urgent medical attention.

In India, jaundice is a common presentation across age groups due to infections, liver disease and metabolic disorders.

What Does Yellowing of Eyes and Skin Mean?

The yellow colour appears due to excess bilirubin in the blood.

Bilirubin is:

a yellow pigment
produced from the breakdown of red blood cells
processed and removed by the liver

When bilirubin builds up, it deposits in tissues, causing yellow discoloration.

Why the Eyes Turn Yellow First

The sclera, or white part of the eyes, contains elastic tissue that binds bilirubin easily.

This makes yellowing:

more visible in eyes
detectable before skin changes

Yellow eyes are often the earliest sign of jaundice.

Common Causes of Yellow Eyes and Skin

Liver-Related Causes

The liver plays a central role in bilirubin metabolism.

Common liver causes include:

viral hepatitis (A, B, C, E)
fatty liver disease
alcoholic liver disease
liver cirrhosis
drug-induced liver injury

ICMR reports viral hepatitis as a major cause of jaundice in India.

Bile Duct Obstruction

Blocked bile flow prevents bilirubin excretion.

Causes include:

gallstones
bile duct strictures
pancreatic or bile duct tumours

This type of jaundice is often associated with itching and pale stools.

Blood Disorders

Excess breakdown of red blood cells increases bilirubin production.

Conditions include:

hemolytic anemia
malaria
inherited blood disorders

The liver may be overwhelmed despite being healthy.

Infections

Certain infections directly affect liver function.

Examples include:

hepatitis viruses
leptospirosis
severe sepsis

WHO data highlights hepatitis as a leading infectious cause of jaundice globally.

Newborn and Pregnancy-Related Causes

While common in newborns, jaundice in adults always needs evaluation.

Pregnancy-related liver disorders can also cause yellowing.

Associated Symptoms That Provide Clues

Yellow eyes and skin are often accompanied by:

dark yellow or tea-coloured urine
pale or clay-coloured stools
itching
fatigue
abdominal pain
loss of appetite

These symptoms help identify the underlying cause.

When Yellowing Becomes Dangerous

Seek urgent medical care if yellowing is accompanied by:

high fever
severe abdominal pain
confusion or drowsiness
vomiting
rapid worsening of colour

These signs suggest severe liver or systemic disease.

Jaundice and Liver Function

The liver normally:

conjugates bilirubin
excretes it into bile

When liver cells are damaged, bilirubin accumulates.

Lancet studies confirm jaundice as a key marker of liver dysfunction.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Doctors evaluate jaundice using:

blood tests for bilirubin levels
liver function tests
viral markers
ultrasound or CT scans
additional tests based on findings

Early testing identifies reversible causes.

Impact on Daily Life

Persistent jaundice can affect:

energy levels
digestion
mental clarity
work performance

Untreated liver disease can progress silently.

Treatment Depends on the Cause

There is no single treatment for jaundice.

Management focuses on:

treating infection
relieving bile obstruction
stopping harmful medications
managing chronic liver disease

Self-medication can worsen liver injury.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive measures include:

hepatitis vaccination
safe drinking water
limiting alcohol intake
regular health checkups

NITI Aayog emphasises liver health in preventive care strategies.

Lifestyle Factors That Affect Liver Health

Risk factors include:

excessive alcohol
obesity
high-fat diets
unsafe injections

Addressing these reduces jaundice risk.

Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis:

prevents complications
improves recovery
reduces hospitalisation

Delays increase the risk of liver failure.

Jaundice Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

Understanding this distinction is crucial.

Treating the symptom alone:

does not resolve the disease
may mask serious conditions

Medical evaluation is essential.

Conclusion

Yellow eyes and skin symptoms are visible warning signs that should never be ignored. Most often linked to jaundice, they reflect underlying problems involving the liver, bile ducts or blood. Early medical evaluation, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to prevent serious complications. Recognising these symptoms and seeking care promptly can protect liver health and save lives.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Hepatitis and Liver Disease Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Jaundice and Hepatitis Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Liver and Metabolic Health Indicators
Lancet – Liver Function and Bilirubin Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Diseases and Liver Health
Statista – Liver Disease and Hepatitis Trends

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Read FAQs

A. Most commonly jaundice due to high bilirubin from liver, blood or bile duct disorders.

A. Not always. Blood disorders and bile duct obstruction can also cause it.

A. They can be, especially if accompanied by fever, pain, confusion or dark urine.

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Unexplained Weight Loss Symptoms: Hidden Health Conditions You Should Not Ignore

Weight loss is often viewed as a positive change, especially in societies concerned about obesity. However, when weight loss occurs without intentional dieting, exercise or lifestyle modification, it becomes a medical warning sign. Understanding unexplained weight loss symptoms is crucial because they often reflect underlying health problems that need prompt attention.

In India, unexplained weight loss is frequently overlooked until additional symptoms appear, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Unexplained Weight Loss?

Unexplained or unintentional weight loss refers to:

losing more than 5 percent of body weight
over 6 to 12 months
without conscious effort

For example, a person weighing 60 kg losing 3–4 kg unintentionally is clinically significant.

Why Unexplained Weight Loss Is a Red Flag

Weight stability depends on:

calorie intake
absorption
metabolism
hormonal balance

Disruption in any of these systems can lead to weight loss. According to WHO, unexplained weight loss is a key symptom in several chronic and life-threatening diseases.

Common Symptoms Associated With Unexplained Weight Loss

Weight loss rarely occurs alone. It is often accompanied by:

persistent fatigue
loss of appetite
weakness
digestive changes
fever or night sweats

The combination of symptoms provides clues to the underlying cause.

Hormonal Causes of Unexplained Weight Loss

Hyperthyroidism

Overactive thyroid increases metabolism.

Symptoms include:

rapid weight loss
heat intolerance
palpitations
anxiety

Thyroid disorders are common in India and often underdiagnosed.

Diabetes Mellitus

Uncontrolled diabetes leads to:

breakdown of fat and muscle
increased urination
excessive thirst

ICMR data highlights diabetes as a major cause of unintentional weight loss.

Digestive and Absorption Disorders

Conditions affecting nutrient absorption can cause weight loss.

Examples include:

celiac disease
chronic gastritis
inflammatory bowel disease

Poor absorption leads to calorie and nutrient deficiency.

Chronic Infections

Long-standing infections increase energy expenditure.

Common causes in India include:

tuberculosis
chronic parasitic infections
HIV

TB remains a leading cause of unexplained weight loss in endemic regions.

Cancer and Malignancy

Unexplained weight loss is a classic warning sign in cancer.

Mechanisms include:

increased metabolic demand
inflammation
reduced appetite

Weight loss may appear before other cancer symptoms.

Mental Health Conditions

Psychological factors significantly affect body weight.

Conditions include:

depression
anxiety disorders
eating disorders

Stress hormones suppress appetite and alter metabolism.

Medication-Induced Weight Loss

Some medications cause weight loss as a side effect, including:

certain diabetes drugs
antidepressants
chemotherapy agents

Medication history is important during evaluation.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms That Should Raise Concern

Seek medical advice if weight loss is accompanied by:

chronic diarrhoea
blood in stools
persistent abdominal pain
vomiting

These symptoms suggest gastrointestinal pathology.

Weight Loss in Older Adults

In older adults, unexplained weight loss increases risk of:

muscle loss
falls
infections
poor recovery

NITI Aayog aging health reports stress early evaluation in seniors.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Doctors may recommend:

blood tests
thyroid function tests
blood sugar testing
imaging studies
stool and infection screening

Diagnosis focuses on identifying treatable causes early.

Why Early Detection Matters

Delayed evaluation increases:

disease progression
complications
treatment complexity

Lancet studies show early diagnosis improves survival and outcomes.

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Preventive screenings help detect:

metabolic disorders
infections
nutritional deficiencies
early-stage cancers

Routine checkups reduce diagnostic delays.

When Weight Loss Is an Emergency

Seek immediate care if weight loss is accompanied by:

severe weakness
breathlessness
chest pain
persistent fever
neurological symptoms

These signs require urgent evaluation.

Lifestyle vs Medical Weight Loss

Intentional weight loss:

occurs with diet and exercise
improves energy

Unexplained weight loss:

reduces strength
worsens wellbeing

Distinguishing between the two is essential.

How to Respond to Unexplained Weight Loss

Key steps include:

documenting weight changes
noting associated symptoms
seeking medical evaluation early

Self-treatment delays diagnosis.

Conclusion

Unexplained weight loss symptoms should never be ignored. While stress or minor illness can cause temporary changes, persistent or rapid weight loss often signals serious underlying conditions such as hormonal disorders, chronic infections, digestive diseases or cancer. Early medical evaluation, preventive screening and timely treatment are essential to identify the cause and protect long-term health. Listening to the body’s warning signs can be lifesaving.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Unintentional Weight Loss and Disease Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Chronic Disease and Metabolic Studies
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Nutrition and Health Data
Lancet – Weight Loss and Chronic Disease Research
NITI Aayog – Aging, Nutrition and Preventive Health Reports
Statista – Health Trends and Unintentional Weight Loss

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