Jaundice is a condition that causes the skin and eyes to become discolored, turning a noticeable shade of yellow. While many people correlate jaundice with newborns, it can also occur in adults. Jaundice is a result of excess bilirubin in the blood, a substance produced when red blood cells break down. In infants it is generally a temporary condition, while in adults it can be a symptom of a life-threatening medical condition, such as hepatitis.
Step 1
Get a diagnosis. Whether it is for an infant or an adult, proper treatment cannot be administered until the cause of the jaundice is determined. Visit your doctor immediately once you notice a change in either the child's skin color or a change in your own.
Step 2
Feed the baby every two to three hours. For infants with jaundice, frequent feedings help reduce the levels of bilirubin by keeping the child hydrated. For mothers who breastfeed, it may be necessary to supplement with formula if frequent feedings do not reduce the bilirubin levels.
Step 3
Undergo light therapy. According to the University of Michigan Health System, some infants require light treatment to cure them of jaundice. This requires the infant to be placed under lights that help change the bilirubin into a product that can be excreted by his body.
Step 4
Undergo testing. For adults suffering from jaundice, testing is needed to determine the cause of the condition. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the most common test used is the CT scan. A liver biopsy may be required if blood serum and medical imaging tests do not provide a definitive diagnosis.
Step 5
Take medication. Vitamin B12 injections are one treatment option for adults who are diagnosed with jaundice. This, however, depends solely on the cause of the jaundice. Once determined, it is imperative to follow the doctor's care instructions.
Step 6
Undergo surgery. Again, this treatment option is one that is dependent on the cause of the jaundice. Surgery is an effective treatment option for adults whose cause is a tumor, liver damage or gallbladder problems.
