Is yellowing of the whites of the eyes contagious?
Disease description:
I've noticed my whites of the eyes turning yellow and my skin isn't as smooth as before over the past couple of days. I'm really worried about possibly spreading it to others. Is yellowing of the eyes contagious?
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes is generally not contagious. Yellowing of the sclera is a symptom, and symptoms themselves are not infectious. This condition may result from consuming large amounts of foods rich in yellow pigments, such as citrus fruits and carrots, or it could be caused by vitreous opacities and other eye disorders. It may also be associated with conditions like cholecystitis or hepatitis. It's important to visit a reputable hospital to determine the exact cause of the yellowing. For management, it is recommended to avoid excessive fatigue, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy diet. Treatment should be tailored according to the underlying cause—for example, liver diseases may require antiviral and liver-protective therapies, while biliary obstruction might necessitate surgical intervention to relieve the blockage. Seek medical attention promptly to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment.