Bilirubin is an orange-yellow pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of hemoglobin and excreted in bile.
Yellowish discoloration of the skin. mucous membranes and whites of the eyes caused by bilirubin is called Jaundice or icterus. Excess of the pigment bilirubin (hyperbillirubine) is typically caused by obstruction of the bile duct, by liver disease, or by excessive breakdown of red blood cells.
For Jaundiced babies, their face observed in a good light (or after touching and releasing) looks yellow and this discoloration moves downwards to the chest, tummy, arms and legs as the bilirubin increases. The whites of the eyes will also appear yellowed but the skin in the mouth will be healthy pink. Other early symptoms are tiredness, poor feeding and a high-pitch cry.
Hepatitis A signs and symptoms, which typically don't appear until a few weeks after infection with the virus, may include Jaundice, dark yellow urine and clay-colored bowel movements
Early symptoms of Hepatitis C include yellowing skin and mild fatigue,
Eating too many yellow fruit, vegetables and spices such as carrots, pumpkin or cinnamon could lead to accumulation of beta carotene in the skin, condition known as ‘carotenodermia’. Usually orange or yellowish tinted skin is only a cosmetic concern, however, very rarely it can be a sign of a slow thyroid, kidney or liver issue. Some studies have also indicated that very high intake of beta-carotene in heavy smokers may lead to lung cancer.