Hepatitis and Jaundice in Children: When to Seek Care

A family guide to yellow skin or eyes and possible liver concerns

MEDICALLY REVIEWED - APPROVED FOR WEBSITE PUBLICATION

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare
2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611 | 559-538-3070

Jaundice means yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes. It happens when bilirubin builds up in the body. In newborns, jaundice is common and has a separate guide on this website. New jaundice in an older infant, child, or teenager needs prompt medical advice because it can have many causes, including liver, blood, gallbladder, medication, or infection-related problems.

Urgent warning signs - check this first

Call 911 now for a child who is hard to wake, confused, has a seizure, severe trouble breathing, blue or gray lips or face, uncontrolled bleeding, or another life-threatening emergency.

Seek emergency medical care now for jaundice with severe or worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, severe weakness, confusion, unusual sleepiness, black or bloody vomit or stool, significant swelling of the belly, or signs of severe dehydration.

When to contact your child's healthcare professional promptly

Any new yellow color of the eyes or skin in a child beyond the newborn period, even if the child otherwise seems comfortable.
Dark tea-colored urine, pale gray or clay-colored stools, new itching, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, or pain under the right ribs or elsewhere in the abdomen.
Possible exposure to hepatitis, a household member with hepatitis, recent travel, a needlestick or blood exposure, or a medication or supplement concern.
A child with known liver disease who has new symptoms or is worsening.

What hepatitis means

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Viruses are one possible cause, but not the only cause. Hepatitis A, B, and C spread in different ways and require different testing and follow-up. Symptoms cannot tell families which cause is present; testing and medical evaluation are needed when hepatitis is a concern.

Hepatitis A can spread through close contact or contaminated food or drink and usually causes a short-term illness. Vaccination prevents it.
Hepatitis B can spread through blood or certain body fluids and can be short- or long-term. Vaccination prevents it.
Hepatitis C is usually spread by blood exposure. There is no vaccine, but effective treatment is available when it is diagnosed.

What to do while arranging care

Contact the child's healthcare professional the same day for new jaundice. Bring a list or photographs of all medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products, but do not stop a prescribed medicine unless a clinician tells you to do so.
Offer fluids if the child can drink. Avoid alcohol exposure in teenagers and do not give extra acetaminophen or other medicine beyond the label or clinician's instructions.
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or items that could have blood on them. Good handwashing is especially important when a contagious illness is possible.
Do not assume yellow skin is harmless because it improved in different lighting. A clinician can decide whether examination and blood testing are needed.

Prevention

Keep routine childhood vaccines up to date, including hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination.
Use safe food, water, handwashing, and diapering practices, particularly during travel and outbreaks.
Use only medications as directed and keep medicines, supplements, and household chemicals secured.

Sources and medical review

Sources checked: August 15, 2026 | Medical review completed: August 15, 2026