Alcohol (OH) and the Skin – Jaundice (Icterus) (For professionals)

Jaundice

• due to the deposition of billirubin, product of the breakdown of heme: accumulation in the liver due to impaired hepatic conjugation. It subsequently binds tissues with a special affinity to elastin.
• detectable with serum levels above 2.5 mg/dL
• The ocular sclera are often the first to turn yellow.
• Differential Diagnosis (DD): prehepatic, hepatic (Primary area of action of Alcohol), posthepatic
• Treatment: abstinence resolves jaundice provided there is residual hepatic function.

Bibliography: Dermatologie et Infections Sexuellement Transmissibles, 4th Edition