The spelling of the phrase "yellow skin" is quite straightforward. The word "yellow" is spelled with a Y-E-L-L-O-W, while "skin" follows a more phonetic spelling with the letters S-K-I-N. The pronunciation of "yellow" is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈjɛloʊ/, while "skin" is pronounced as /skɪn/. When put together, the phrase is pronounced as /ˈjɛloʊ skɪn/. The phrase is commonly used to describe the skin tone of people from certain ethnic groups, especially those with Asian or mixed Asian heritage.
Yellow skin refers to a distinctive physical characteristic where an individual's skin tone appears noticeably yellow in color. This is primarily attributed to a medical condition known as jaundice, resulting from the elevated levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment formed during the natural breakdown of red blood cells. In cases of jaundice, the liver is unable to effectively process and remove bilirubin from the body, leading to its accumulation in various tissues, including the skin.
Jaundice can be an indicator of an underlying health issue, such as liver disease, hepatitis, or obstruction of the bile duct. Excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, liver damage, and genetic disorders can also contribute to the development of yellow skin. Additionally, newborns may temporarily exhibit yellow skin as a normal, benign condition called neonatal jaundice, which often resolves without treatment.
The yellow discoloration of the skin can vary in intensity, ranging from a mild, barely noticeable tint to a more pronounced and obvious hue. Other symptoms that may accompany yellow skin include fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and itching.
Prompt medical attention should be sought if persistent yellow skin is observed or if it is accompanied by severe symptoms, as it may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Xanthoderma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "yellow" can be traced back to the Old English word "geolu" or "gelu", which referred to the color yellow. It has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German word "gelou" and Old Norse word "gulr". Over time, "yellow" became the standard term for the color in English.
On the other hand, the term "skin" has a different etymology. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "skinan" or "skinnan", meaning "hide" or "parchment". It is related to Old Norse word "skinn" and Old High German word "henna". Eventually, "skin" came to refer specifically to the outer layer of the body.