Pseudojaundice (soo-doh-jawn-diss) is the presence of yellowish discoloration in the skin and sclera, resembling jaundice, without an increase in serum bilirubin levels. The term "pseudo" means false or imitating, thus the prefix "pseudo" indicates a false form of jaundice. The pronunciation uses the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) with the symbols /suːdoʊˈdʒɔːndɪs/. This word can be challenging to spell due to its lengthy structure and the combination of silent letters in the middle of the word.
Pseudojaundice is a term used to describe a condition in which a person appears to have jaundice, a yellowing discoloration of the skin and eyes, even though the underlying cause is not related to liver dysfunction. The term "pseudo" denotes something that is false or deceptive, suggesting that the yellowish appearance in pseudojaundice is not due to elevated levels of bilirubin, the pigment responsible for the yellow color in jaundice.
Pseudojaundice can occur as a result of a variety of factors that affect the skin's pigmentation. One common cause is the accumulation of carotenoids, which are yellow or orange pigments found in certain fruits and vegetables, in the skin. This can happen when an individual consumes excessive amounts of these foods, particularly carrots, sweet potatoes, or squash. In such cases, the large intake of carotenoids can lead to a yellowish hue in the skin, giving the appearance of jaundice.
Another cause of pseudojaundice is the presence of certain medications or drugs that can alter the color of the skin. Additionally, some rare medical conditions that affect the metabolism or breakdown of pigments in the body can contribute to pseudojaundice.
Differentiating between true jaundice and pseudojaundice is important, as the former is indicative of an underlying liver or biliary system dysfunction, while the latter is typically harmless and resolves once the causative factor is removed. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of pseudojaundice.
Pseudoicterus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "pseudojaundice" is derived from the combination of two components - "pseudo" and "jaundice".
1. "Pseudo" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "pseudḗs", meaning "false" or "deceptive". It is commonly used in English to indicate something that resembles or imitates but is not genuine or true.
2. "Jaundice" is a term originating from the French word "jaunisse", which itself comes from the Old French word "jaune" meaning "yellow". Jaundice refers to a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to an excessive buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
Hence, "pseudojaundice" is a term used to describe a condition that resembles or imitates jaundice but is not caused by an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood.