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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 Newborn Jaundice

What is carotenemia?

Carotenemia is a harmless condition in which the skin turns a yellowish color from eating a lot of certain foods. Unlike jaundice, the whites of the eyes will remain white. Your child's turns a yellow color 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 color 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 I call my 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.

Call during office hours about:

• All other children with jaundice.

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.