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JAUNDICE (YELLOW SKIN AND MUCOSA)

Jaundice is a yellow skin colour, which changes the colour of the eyes. It is caused by an abnormal increase of biliary pigments (bilirubin) in the blood.

If the patient has pale skin, jaundice gives the skin a yellow colouring, but tanned or dark skin may not show any evident colour change. In all cases a yellow staining of the white of the eye may be noticed (see picture 8-10), which must be examined in daylight, as some artificial lights may lead to error.

Besides the yellow skin colour, the patient may notice itching and complain of nausea and vomiting two to four days prior to the change of colour. Urine may be dark (like cola drinks) and faeces white (like plaster).

The diagnosis of jaundice requires MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO . Do not give any medication; keep bed rest, fat free food, and alcohol abstinence. It is very important to take care of the patient's hygiene, in case it is hepatitis A, (transmission by mouth), handling the patient's utensils, clothes, lingerie and excretions separately, as well as disinfecting them (refer to Chapter 14, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ON BOARD).