Jaundice

Jaundice yellows the skin and the whites of the eyes. Jaundice is caused by an excess of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow molecule found in hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen. Your body replaces red blood cells as they degrade. The liver processes the older ones. If the liver is unable to process the blood cells as they degrade, bilirubin accumulates in the body and your skin may appear yellow.