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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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Jaundice

DESCRIPTION

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 evaluated by a physician.

This guideline does not address jaundice in newborns. For information on this topic see Jaundice of the Newborn.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:

  • Your child has vomited any blood.
  • Your child is confused or difficult to awaken.
  • Your child is acting very sick.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS ABOUT:

  • All other children with jaundice.

CAROTENEMIA: THE JAUNDICE IMITATOR

Your child has carotenemia if the following are present:

  • lemon-yellow coloration of the skin
  • no yellow coloration of the sclera (white part of the eye)
  • high intake of yellow and green vegetables or fruits (which all contain carotene)
  • age under 2 years.

Carotenemia is harmless and temporary. The yellow color is due to a pigment (carotene) found in yellow and green vegetables, as well as fruits such as oranges, apricots, and peaches. The intake of these vegetables and fruits needs to be reduced only if 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.


Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems