Which term refers to yellow discoloration of the skin due to excess bilirubin?

Which term refers to yellow discoloration of the skin due to excess bilirubin?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Nevus
• C. Carotenemia
• D. Pallor

Answer: (A)

Jaundice is the yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin comes from the breakdown of red blood cells and is normally processed by the liver and excreted in bile. When bilirubin accumulates—whether from increased production, impaired liver processing, or bile flow obstruction—the pigment deposits in tissues, giving that characteristic yellow tint. This is different from carotenemia, which also turns the skin yellow but largely spares the eyes and results from consuming too much carotene, not bilirubin. Pallor describes pale skin from anemia or low blood volume, and a nevus is a benign pigmented mole, not related to bilirubin levels.

Jaundice is the yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin comes from the breakdown of red blood cells and is normally processed by the liver and excreted in bile. When bilirubin accumulates—whether from increased production, impaired liver processing, or bile flow obstruction—the pigment deposits in tissues, giving that characteristic yellow tint. This is different from carotenemia, which also turns the skin yellow but largely spares the eyes and results from consuming too much carotene, not bilirubin. Pallor describes pale skin from anemia or low blood volume, and a nevus is a benign pigmented mole, not related to bilirubin levels.