Yellow skin color is a common phenomenon that can result from many factors. Such pigmentation in an adult does not always have negative consequences, as it can appear due to the food consumed. However, yellowed skin can indicate diseases of the liver, blood and gall bladder, which entails serious consequences for the body.
For this reason, it is necessary to carefully monitor your health and promptly seek help from a doctor.
Causes of yellow skin
Yellow skin color in an adult may indicate the presence of both serious pathologies and digestive problems. Bilirubin, which is a breakdown product of hemoglobin, is responsible for the yellow color of the epidermis. The latter, in turn, transports oxygen in the body.
The pigment bilirubin is formed in the liver as a result of the decomposition of red blood cells. In some cases, an increase in pigment content leads to blockage of blood vessels and bile ducts, liver pathologies, and the formation of gallstones. In addition to yellowing of the skin, increased bilirubin gives a yellow tint to the sclera of the eyes and the surface of the tongue.
Yellow facial skin is observed when the cardiovascular system and lipid metabolism are disrupted. Another cause of pathology is a sudden change in diet, problems with metabolism and high cholesterol in the blood. Yellowing of the skin can be a reaction of the body to vegetable salads, juices or fresh juices with a high content of carrots, pumpkin, orange or tangerine.
Excessive intake of various spices
Excessive intake of various spices, fatty and spicy foods can provoke stagnation of bile, which subsequently affects the condition of the skin. Unhealthy skin tone appears as a result of an unbalanced diet, after prolonged fasting, alcohol and drug abuse.
In addition to the above reasons, pathology can be caused by:
- serious physical activity;
- stressful situations, depression and emotional shock;
- prolonged insomnia;
- pathologies of the digestive tract;
- hormonal imbalances;
- the body's reaction to exposure to the sun.
Among the serious disorders are malfunctions of the endocrine system, as a result of which the thyroid gland suffers. The environmental situation in the place where a person lives also affects the appearance and condition of the skin. The presence of a large number of enterprises in the city and work in such places over time can lead to disorders of various organs of the human body.
The whites of my eyes turned yellow after drinking alcohol. Why and how facial swelling occurs after drinking alcohol
It is well known that alcohol affects all systems of the body. Any dose of alcohol causes electrolyte imbalance due to polyuria. The body simultaneously becomes dehydrated and accumulates fluid in the intercellular space, which causes the formation of edema.
It should be emphasized that facial swelling rarely occurs in people who lead a healthy lifestyle and follow a sleep schedule.
Facial swelling is more obvious than general weight gain due to congestion. Often, a puffy face serves as an alarming signal about hidden health problems.
The kidneys, taking part in cleansing the body of ethanol breakdown products, produce an increased amount of urine. This process is called polyuria. Fluid retention is a protective reaction of the body, which is rapidly losing vital microelements excreted in the urine.
Facial swelling caused by kidney dysfunction is concentrated in the area under the eyes. The swelling has a yellowish tint. Often a hangover is accompanied by a difficult-to-control increase in blood pressure.
The critical effect of ethanol on the heart muscle and circulatory system leads to disruption of their functions. In this case, in the morning there is general weakness and dizziness. The reason for this is spasm of peripheral blood vessels and increased blood flow in the arteries.
Cardiac dysfunction results in a red or blue discoloration of the swollen face.
The liver metabolizes most of the ethanol and its breakdown products. The functions of the pancreas are hampered by the unpredictable and sudden changes in glucose levels caused by alcohol.
Stress in these organs often leads to fluid accumulation in the body. Dysfunction of the liver and pancreas leads to general swelling of the face.
The skin acquires a dull yellow tint and an extremely unpleasant odor. Failure of the hormonal system and the thyroid gland also contributes to tissue swelling.
Hormones take an active part in cellular metabolism. The insufficiency of this process leads to disruption of the water balance at the cellular level.
Dysfunction of the hormonal system under the influence of alcohol is accompanied by morning swelling and unusual pallor of the face. Separately, we should mention the exacerbation of chronic sinusitis and sinusitis.
Congestion in the maxillary sinuses is accompanied by swelling in the area of the brow ridges and upper eyelids, the bridge of the nose and nasolabial folds.
Types of diseases with yellow skin color
Yellow skin color in an adult may appear as a result of the following pathologies:
- Cholecystitis. This disease is characterized by acute inflammation of the gallbladder. As a result, stones are formed that block the gallbladder and the exit of bile.
- Intestinal worm infection. The appearance of roundworms in the human body is associated with poor hygiene and the consumption of unwashed vegetables. The worm often parasitizes the liver, which causes unhealthy skin color along with other problems.
- Hemostatic spherocytosis is a pathology that destroys and deforms red blood cells. As a result, a person has yellowish skin and sclera of the eyes, as well as an enlarged spleen.
- Gallstones. They are solid deposits that vary in size, shape and composition.
Gallstones - Sickle anemia is a hereditary pathology that leads to the formation of an abnormal form of hemoglobin protein. Due to excessive breakdown of hemoglobin, patients often experience jaundice.
- Mononucleosis is a disease caused by a virus. It often manifests itself in the form of fever, with plaque forming on the tonsils, enlarged lymph nodes, liver and spleen. Yellow skin is one of the manifestations of infection.
- Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus that enters the human body through the blood. Experts call the virus a “gentle killer,” since the disease may not manifest itself for a certain time, and the infected person lives quietly, unaware of the presence of pathology in the body.
- One of the main causes of yellow skin is liver disease. Among them are: cirrhosis, hepatitis, Gilbert's syndrome. They all have different reasons for their appearance and the nature of their course. However, what unites a group of diseases is the destruction of the main human organ.
Why does the fabric turn yellow?
Chemical technologists and dry cleaning specialists claim that in 80-90% of cases the main reason for yellowing of clothes is a violation of basic washing rules.
This may be due to incorrectly selected temperature conditions, insufficient rinsing, the use of strong alkaline soap when hand washing, or a powder whose chemical composition is unsuitable for white fabric. Other reasons why white things in the closet turn yellow:
- low-quality, insufficiently filtered tap water (rust, high content of salts, iron);
- the presence of mold, mildew (including hidden) in the house;
- high humidity in the apartment;
- storing dirty things or mixed with colored ones;
- ironing before storing clothes until the next season or rare occasions (holidays, celebrations);
- coating shelves made of chipboard and MDF with special oil impregnations, which impart yellowness to both light and colored fabrics.
Stages and degrees of diseases with yellow skin color
Depending on the cause of the disruption of bilirubin, jaundice is divided into 4 types:
- hemolytic (suprahepatic);
- hepatic;
- mechanical;
- carotene
The simplest and most non-dangerous type is carotene jaundice. The reason for its appearance lies in the consumption of foods high in carotene. As a result, a person's feet and palms may turn yellowish. This condition is safe and the symptoms go away on their own after a few hours.
The hemolytic form is characterized by a violation of the integrity of red blood cells; bilirubin accumulates in the body and is not excreted in a timely manner, which leads to the development of pathological conditions. As a result, anemia, lymphocytic leukemia, and lymphosarcoma may appear. Another reason for the appearance of the hemolytic form is improper use of medications.
Yellow skin color in an adult
Hepatic jaundice appears due to infection, virus, fungus , excessive consumption of alcohol, drugs, and malignant tumors. This disrupts the functioning of liver cells and increases the bilirubin content in the blood.
Obstructive jaundice is characterized by tissue staining due to hyperbilirubinemia, which occurs due to obstruction of the bile ducts. Causes of the pathology: malignant formations, cholelithiasis, advanced form of cholecystitis. Due to stagnation of bile, the body poisons itself and poisoning occurs.
Depending on the concentration of bilirubin in the blood, three degrees of jaundice are distinguished:
- mild - up to 86 µmol/l;
- moderate-87-168 µmol/l;
- severe - more than 169 µmol/l.
The brightness of the coloring of the skin and mucous membranes depends on the normal color of the skin, the concentration of bilirubin and the nature of the blood supply to the tissue. First of all, the yellow color appears on the sclera of the eyes, and with time pigmentation appears on the skin.
The effect of carotene on skin color
Excessive consumption of certain fruits, vegetables or root vegetables can also cause yellow palms. Review your diet, maybe lately you have become interested in eating carrots, pumpkin, squash or tangerines.
When consuming products containing keratin, most of the substance is absorbed into the blood and distributed throughout the human body. Due to the fact that the skin of the palms contains less of the coloring substance melanin, an excessive amount of keratin in the body may manifest itself as yellowish palms.
Symptoms of diseases with yellow skin color
Yellow skin color in an adult is characteristic of various diseases, the symptoms of each of them have their own distinctive features and characteristics:
Symptoms of cholecystitis:
- abdominal pain;
- nausea, vomiting;
- poor appetite;
- diarrhea, constipation;
- heaviness in the right side;
- bitterness in the mouth.
Cholecystitis
Symptoms of intestinal worm:
- abdominal pain;
- nausea, vomiting;
- bloody stools, diarrhea;
- in some cases allergic rash;
- fatigue;
- in advanced stages, roundworms become noticeable in vomit and stool.
Symptoms of hemostatic spherocytosis:
- constant feeling of fatigue;
- abdominal pain;
- fever
Symptoms of gallstone disease:
- loss of appetite;
- nausea;
- sudden weight loss;
- pain in the right side;
- bitterness in the mouth;
- belching.
Symptoms of sickle anemia:
- attacks of pain;
- leg ulcers;
- decreased visual acuity;
- swelling of fingers or toes;
- fatigue.
Sickle anemia
Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C:
- weakness;
- nausea;
- muscle and joint pain;
- poor appetite;
- discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Symptoms of mononucleosis:
- fatigue;
- headache;
- poor appetite;
- abdominal pain;
- increased body temperature;
- a sore throat.
Diagnosis of diseases with yellow skin color
In order to establish the cause of the appearance of yellow skin in an adult, a specialist must conduct a comprehensive examination, which includes:
- taking an anamnesis, during which the doctor studies the patient’s symptoms and complaints;
- a physical diagnosis is carried out, which includes palpation of internal organs and external examination of the patient;
- to study the condition of internal organs, ultrasound or computed tomography is prescribed;
- A biochemical blood test is carried out, as well as a clinical analysis of blood and urine.
CT scan
You can undergo the examination at a clinic at your place of residence.
Diagnostic prices are presented in the table:
Procedure | price, rub. |
Bilirubin test | 160-250 |
General blood analysis | 200-270 |
Alkaline Phosphotophase Assay | 130-190 |
ALT analysis | 190-250 |
Ultrasound of internal organs | 2150-2650 |
CT scan | 4000-6500 |
When to see a doctor
When yellowing of the skin appears, first of all you need to listen to the general condition of the body. If no symptoms are observed, perhaps the cause lies in poor diet and digestive problems. If skin pigmentation does not subside within several days, a person should consult a therapist.
The doctor will conduct an initial diagnosis, during which a further treatment plan will be prescribed.
When to see a doctor
Depending on the disease, the patient will need the help of doctors of a more narrow specialization:
- gastroenterologist;
- infectious disease specialist;
- hematologist;
- endocrinologist.
How to prevent yellowing of things: advice from experts and housewives
To reduce the likelihood that items will turn yellow when stored in a closet, follow these simple guidelines. Do not hang worn clothes together with clean ones, even if you have worn them once. Separate dirty laundry by color and type of fabric. Items that do not require the use of hangers are best stored in vacuum bags. This approach prevents the oxidation of fabric fibers and prevents the appearance of yellowness.
If you decide to iron your items, read the information on the label.
It is strictly forbidden to use the steam mode when the water in the iron is stagnant. The shelves in the closet can be covered with plastic film. Children's, seasonal, outerwear, bed linen - everything is stored in different isolated sections. The cabinet needs to be ventilated periodically. By following these simple steps, you can prevent your items from turning yellow over time.
Prevention of diseases with yellow skin color
To prevent diseases, you must adhere to the following rules:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- to refuse from bad habits;
- eat healthy food and watch your diet;
- exercise;
- go for walks;
- maintain a daily routine;
- An important point is facial skin care, which consists of using nourishing masks and other cosmetic procedures;
- When the first symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor, as timely treatment helps to quickly overcome the disease and prevent complications.
Prevention
Prevention consists of strict adherence to the rules for the care and maintenance of the orchid.
For example, using water with high mineralization for irrigation leads to salinization of the substrate. In this case, replacing the soil will help. In an apartment, you can soften water:
- Cleaning in special filters;
- By adding 3 g of wood ash or 100 g of fresh peat, which are stirred in 10 liters of water.
To prevent soil salinization, the plant is watered exclusively with soft water:
- Thaloy;
- Rain;
- Or settled.
Advice! If the root system is over-moistened, the roots and substrate should be thoroughly dried. This can take up to two weeks; during this time the orchid is not watered.
Methods of treating diseases with yellow skin color
Before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to determine the cause of the pathology. To do this, consultations are carried out with specialists who, during the course of research, prescribe a rehabilitation plan. Often, in addition to taking medications, a diet is necessary that is aimed at normalizing the functioning of internal organs.
Medications
For pathologies caused by viruses, the following drugs are used:
- Ribavirin. Available in the form of tablets and capsules. Do not use during lactation, pregnancy, during recovery after myocardial infarction, or for problems with the thyroid gland. Side effects include: headache, nervousness, high blood pressure. Take 1 tablet 2 times a day. The duration of treatment is at least 4 months. Price from 94 rub.
- Sofosbuvir. It is used to treat hepatitis C in combination with other drugs. Available in tablet form. Take 1 tablet per day with meals. Duration of treatment is 3 months. The drug is often easily tolerated and has no side effects. It is prohibited for use by pregnant women, as well as during lactation and in the presence of individual intolerance to the components. Price from 4000 rub.
Ribavirin
To improve digestion processes the following are prescribed:
- Mezim Forte. Available in tablet form. Used to eliminate eating disorders and improve metabolism. Contraindications include: pork allergy, intestinal obstruction and pancreatitis. Side effects: diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea. Take 2 tablets 1 time per day with meals. The duration of treatment is prescribed individually by the doctor. Price from 150 rub;
- Creon. Available in capsule form. Refers to drugs that improve digestion. Contraindications include only individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Take 1 capsule 2 times a day after meals. The duration of treatment is prescribed depending on the stage and type of disease. Price from 250 rub.
- Pancreatin. Prescribed to eliminate pancreatic dysfunction and improve digestion. Take 2 tablets 3 times a day. Duration of treatment is at least 14 days. Side effects include allergic reactions. Contraindications: acute forms of pancreatitis. Price from 45 rub.
Traditional methods
Traditional medicine helps maintain skin tone and health:
- Curd mask. Ingredients: 3 tbsp. l. cottage cheese and 2 tbsp. l. sour cream. The components must be mixed and applied to the face. Keep the mask on for about 25 minutes and then rinse with warm water. For those with oily skin, sour cream can be replaced with kefir. Several procedures are necessary per week.
- Cucumber mask. Ingredients: chopped cucumber - 3 tbsp. l., olive oil-2 tbsp. l., pulp of 1 lemon. All ingredients must be thoroughly mixed and applied to the face. The mask is left for 20 minutes, then washed off with warm water. You can also cut the cucumber into slices and place it on your face, or wipe your skin with freshly squeezed cucumber juice. The procedure can be repeated 3-4 times a week.
- Berry mask. The following berries are suitable for making a mask: strawberries, raspberries, currants and viburnum. The mask is made from squeezed berry juice. Thanks to such procedures, complexion improves and dead cells are removed. Keep the mask on your face for about 10-15 minutes, then wash off with warm water and apply moisturizer. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
Other methods
Yellow skin color in an adult can indicate problems with internal organs, so proper nutrition plays a significant role. When compiling a diet, it is necessary to take into account the intake of vegetables and fruits, as well as their compatibility with each other.
Often, improperly selected food provokes constipation and diarrhea, which negatively affect the condition of the skin. Increased stress on the digestive tract causes pain and discomfort. One of the reasons for improper digestion is fatty, smoked and spicy foods.
Cheese, cottage cheese
Experts recommend consuming the following products:
- lean meats (rabbit, chicken, veal);
- eggs;
- cheese, cottage cheese;
- seafood;
- cereals;
- nuts;
- vegetable oil.
The following should be excluded from the diet:
- canned fish and meat;
- fried food;
- chocolate;
- cocoa and coffee;
- seasonings, spices;
- alcohol.
In addition to proper nutrition, it is important to maintain a drinking regime. You need to drink about 2 liters of water per day. You should choose only purified or spring water. Thus, the body removes toxins and harmful substances in a timely manner, and the skin has a healthy color.
Physical activity and walks in the fresh air have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Regardless of weather conditions, experts recommend going outside every day for at least 15-20 minutes. Such a pastime relieves fatigue, fills the body with strength, and returns the face to a ruddy and fresh appearance.
Possible complications
Incorrect and untimely treatment of pathologies that cause yellow pigmentation of the skin can lead to:
- to rupture of the gallbladder, which is fatal to humans;
- if the body is infected with parasitic worms, intestinal obstruction, acute appendicitis, liver abscess or tissue sepsis may occur;
- gallstones can turn into acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and also form holes in the organ, which is dangerous for human life;
- improper treatment of anemia leads to liver failure, blindness, and capillary blockage;
- as a result of the development of mononucleosis, the following complications are identified: splenic rupture, bacterial infections, hepatitis, meningitis;
- cirrhosis, hepatosis and liver cancer.
Gallbladder rupture
Yellow skin color can be the cause of many diseases, some of which are deadly. In an adult, pigmentation spreads to the skin, sclera of the eyes and tongue. Since there is a possibility of a pathological process developing in the body, when the first symptoms appear, you should seek help from a doctor.
Main causes of yellowing
There are quite a few reasons why yellowness forms on silver objects. And all because silver tends to oxidize under the influence of external factors. First of all, this precious metal reacts with hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which is present even in the air. Therefore, do not be alarmed when you find a yellowish tint on a ring or cutlery - this is a natural thing.
But besides this, there are several things that can speed up the process of metal oxidation:
- Contact with household chemicals. Various detergents and cleaning products contain many chemicals that interact with silver, forming a yellowish tint on it.
- Contact with cosmetics, creams, shampoos, etc. Here, as with contact with household chemicals, jewelry turns black when in contact with any cosmetics, even the most natural ones.
- Intense sports activities. And the reason is that the sweat on the human body also contains a small amount of sulfur and sulfuric acid salts. As a result of the chemical reaction of silver body jewelry, a humid environment and sweat, first a yellowish coating is formed, and then a black one.
- Improper storage. Silver needs careful and proper storage. You can’t throw it wherever you want, and especially don’t leave it for a long time in direct sunlight and next to certain foods (for example, onions, eggs) and rubber or plastic objects.
In general, let us repeat once again, the yellowing of silver is a standard chemical process, slow, but inevitable and uncritical. The situation can be corrected with simple rules of care and timely cleaning.