Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells and is typically processed by the liver and excreted in bile. When this process is disrupted—due to liver disease, bile duct obstruction, excessive red blood cell breakdown, or certain genetic conditions—bilirubin accumulates in the body. Additional symptoms may include dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or itching. Jaundice can occur in newborns as well as adults and often indicates an underlying liver, blood, or biliary disorder that requires medical evaluation.