What is the medical term for the yellowing of the skin and eyes?

The yellowing of the skin and eyes is medically termed "jaundice." This condition arises from an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. When levels of bilirubin in the blood become elevated, it leads to the characteristic yellow discoloration in tissues, particularly visible in the skin and the sclera (the white part of the eyes).

Jaundice can be a sign of various underlying health issues, including liver disease, hemolysis, or bile duct obstruction, as these conditions can affect the body's ability to process or excrete bilirubin effectively. The identification of jaundice is crucial because it often indicates a need for further medical evaluation to determine the root cause.

In contrast, while icterus is another term for jaundice, it is not as commonly used. Chloasma is related to skin pigmentation changes often observed during pregnancy. Carotenemia refers to a yellowing caused by excessive carotene intake, particularly from eating large amounts of carrots or other orange/yellow foods, but it does not involve elevated bilirubin levels. Thus, the correct term for the yellowing associated with bilirubin build-up is indeed jaundice.