# Yellow eyes or skin: causes and when to see a doctor

_Yellow eyes or skin: what it can be linked to, how urgent it is and what to do next. Kenya guidance from My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/yellow-eyes-or-skin

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Yellowing (jaundice) is a sign the liver or bile ducts need checking. Common causes include hepatitis and gallstones; liver cancer is a less common cause. Jaundice should be checked promptly.

**Yellow eyes or skin: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Jaundice should be checked promptly. | A clinical review with blood tests and often a scan. | Hypertension and diabetes assessment | Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200 |

## Yellow eyes or skin: common questions

**Q: What can cause yellow eyes or skin?**

A: Yellowing (jaundice) is a sign the liver or bile ducts need checking. Common causes include hepatitis and gallstones; liver cancer is a less common cause.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Jaundice should be checked promptly.

**Q: What will the doctor check?**

A: A clinical review with blood tests and often a scan.

**Q: Is yellow eyes or skin serious?**

A: Usually not, but it is worth getting checked so a clinician can find the cause. Only an examination and tests can tell.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's hypertension and diabetes assessment (Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [NHS, Liver cancer symptoms](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/symptoms/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

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