Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Jaundice home care: rest, fluids, no alcohol, hygiene and follow-up, and why folk cures and herbs are unsafe.
Home care supports recovery in mild jaundice from a confirmed cause such as hepatitis A. It must not replace a doctor's assessment.
Get the diagnosis first
See a doctor and get tests before trying home care. Follow the doctor's advice on rest and follow-up.
Supportive steps
Cool, loose clothing, short nails and a plain moisturiser can ease itching. Ask your doctor about medicines if itching is severe.
Medicines
Do not take paracetamol in high doses and avoid any medicine or supplement not advised by your doctor, as the liver may not clear them.
What to avoid
Newborns
Do not treat newborn jaundice only with sunlight or home remedies. Feed the baby often and see a paediatrician for bilirubin testing and, if needed, phototherapy.
When to go to hospital
Confusion, drowsiness, vomiting blood, bleeding, severe pain with fever, or worsening yellow colour. Call 112 in an emergency.
Key point
Rest, fluids, no alcohol and follow-up tests are the safe core of home care.
Before your appointment
Note when the yellow colour began and the colour of your urine and stools. List all medicines, herbs, supplements and alcohol use. Mention fever, itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, recent travel, injections, transfusions, tattoos and contact with others with jaundice. For a baby, note birth date, feeding pattern, wet nappies and the mother's blood group. Ask about tests, the likely cause and which signs need urgent care. Call 112 for confusion, bleeding or severe pain with fever.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Explore more articles about this topic
Ayurvedic view of jaundice (kamala): Pitta links, traditional herbs, limited evidence and liver-safety cautions.
What is jaundice: yellow skin and eyes from bilirubin, why it happens, who gets it and why it needs a doctor.
Jaundice diet: light clean home-cooked food, safe fluids, no alcohol, and myths about juices and supplements.
Stages of jaundice: early signs, yellow phase and recovery, with complications that need hospital care.
Jaundice symptoms: yellow eyes and skin, dark urine, pale stools, itching, and emergency signs in adults and babies.
Causes of jaundice: red cell breakdown, hepatitis, alcohol, medicines, gallstones, bile duct blockage and newborn jaundice.
