Could This Be Early Signs of Jaundice?
Age: 27 Height: 160 cm Weight: 45 kg Ethnicity: Caucasian Pre-existing Conditions: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (diagnosed through ultrasound in March 2024), Insulin Resistance (based on triglyceride to HDL ratio). Medications: Lexapro 10 mg, Propranolol 10 mg I suspect I might be experiencing early symptoms of MASH/NASH cirrhosis. On Tuesday, following what I thought was a normal Fibroscan, I’ve started to doubt the accuracy of that assessment. The test was conducted by a charity and seemed unusually quick—only three minutes. During the procedure, the nurse made a remark that suggested she may have observed a significantly higher reading than the one she reported to me. After that, I indulged in unhealthy foods, including refined sugars and white carbohydrates. Just yesterday, I observed yellow patches appearing on my palms and the fleshy base of my thumbs, which are also present on the opposite hand. This sudden shift in my diet, after months of maintaining a clean eating routine, is making me anxious that I may have caused some degree of decompensation in my condition.
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 3:20:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about potential signs of jaundice, especially given your medical history. Yellow patches on your skin can indeed be a symptom associated with liver issues, but it’s essential to consider various factors before concluding anything.
Explanation
Jaundice occurs when there's an excess of bilirubin in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. Your existing conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, can influence liver function. Changes in diet, particularly if they involve high amounts of refined sugars and unhealthy fats, might stress your liver. However, other conditions could also cause yellow patches on the skin, and it’s crucial to identify their origin accurately.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms, such as yellowing of the whites of your eyes, light-colored stools, dark urine, abdominal pain, or increased fatigue. This information is vital for understanding your situation.
-
Skin Assessment: Observe if the yellow patches on your palms and thumbs change in appearance, spread, or are accompanied by any itching or irritation. This can help differentiate between liver-related issues and other skin conditions.
-
Diet & Hydration:
- Return to your cleaner eating habits as soon as possible. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Stay well-hydrated to help your liver function properly.
-
Document Changes: Keep a diary of your food intake, symptoms, and any changes you observe in your skin or overall health. This can provide valuable insight into how your body is responding and can be useful when discussing your concerns at a future appointment.
-
Consider Follow-up Testing: If symptoms persist or worsen, particularly the yellowing of your skin, reaching out for further evaluations, such as blood tests (including liver function tests), may be beneficial to rule out any serious issues.
While I understand that uncertainty can be distressing, focusing on clear actions and maintaining healthy habits can empower you in managing your health. Feel free to share any updates or questions.
Related Questions
Mom's Battle with C. Difficile
My mom, who is 53 years old, was diagnosed with C. difficile last night. She's 22 and I’m seriously concerned as there’s been no prior use of antibiotics that could have caused this infection; the emergency room physician suggested she must have contracted it from an external source. Her regular medications consist of compounded hormone replacement therapy due to her post-menopausal status and pantoprazole to manage her acid reflux. The sole symptom she has experienced is persistent diarrhea, with no accompanying pain, nausea, or any other issues over the last eight days. On day six, she visited her primary care provider, who conducted blood and urine tests but dismissed the need for immediate action and recommended a CT scan instead. However, due to financial constraints, she could not proceed with the scan. The following day, we ended up at the ER, where they performed a stool analysis, confirming the C. difficile infection. She was prescribed Flagyl and Cipro, but I’m puzzled about the use of Cipro since it is known to exacerbate C. difficile infections. This concern was heightened when, just 20 minutes post-medication, she became extremely ill, leading me to consider contacting emergency services. The ER also made claims about C. difficile being eliminated solely through soap and water cleaning on surfaces, which contradicts much of the research I have conducted. While I understand that handwashing can remove spores, the doctor's assertion that surface disinfection with bleach, which we have been diligent about due to our cleanliness obsession, would be ineffective was alarming. They suggested everyone in our household might now be affected. This morning, I reached out to her primary care physician to explore alternative treatments, but they responded harshly, insisting she should have undergone the scan because they suspect a blockage. This is bewildering to me, especially since she has not exhibited any symptoms suggesting a blockage whatsoever. They failed to consider her complete lack of nausea until after she had the medication from the ER. We feel stuck and frustrated—if she truly has C. difficile, this has already persisted for eight days, and she urgently requires a therapeutic approach that won't leave her feeling worse. We’re in desperate need of guidance.
Tragic Situation Surrounding a Benadryl Overdose
Hello everyone. I’m reaching out because my younger sister, who was just 14 years old, tragically ended her life last night using Benadryl. I’m here seeking insight into her situation, and while I don’t need condolences, I appreciate any expressions of sympathy that may come my way. What I truly seek is raw, unfiltered information about what she may have experienced. Details: (I lack medical knowledge, so this information may not be crucial) - Female, age 14 - Height approximately 5'5" (give or take) and weight around 105-115 pounds (this is an educated estimate) - Took between 160-180 tablets, totaling around 4-4.5 grams (this estimate is based on my recent purchase of the bottle and her typical usage for sleep) My questions are as follows: (Feel free to share any other thoughts as well) How much time did she have after ingesting the medication? What might her last moments have been like? Was her passing calm, or was it filled with hallucinations or confusion? Did she experience seizures, or did she simply fall asleep? These are the difficult questions that I find hard to research myself. I hope that this discussion can provide clarity for anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation someday. I’m immensely grateful for any help in advance. As I post this, I’ ll be going to bed soon and may not respond to comments unless they hold significant questions related to my inquiries, though I might reconsider that later on.
Concerns About Measles Exposure After Outbreak at Work
We have not experienced any symptoms, and both of us received our vaccinations during childhood. Recently, one of our coworkers was identified as the initial case of measles within the state and has since been hospitalized. The workplace is a smaller manufacturing facility, employing around 30 people, many of whom are unvaccinated. Given this situation, do we need to take any specific actions? Is it still possible for us to transmit the virus despite being vaccinated? We are uncertain about the necessary safety measures to adopt. Our employer hasn't communicated anything regarding the outbreak; we only learned about it when we saw our workplace mentioned in the news.
Managing Fever with NAFLD
At 31 years old, I've been dealing with some health challenges. In September, I discovered I had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to abnormal enzyme levels revealed in an ultrasound. Although my latest results show a decrease, my enzyme levels remain somewhat elevated, with a moderate accumulation of fat noted. My doctor advised against using acetaminophen for pain relief. Interestingly, my father, who has a more severe case with significantly higher enzyme levels, was allowed to use acetaminophen but not ibuprofen. Since my diagnosis, I've avoided both medications. However, I am currently suffering from a cold accompanied by a fever of 100.2 degrees, which is quite uncomfortable. I reached out to my healthcare provider for advice, but since it's late at night, I probably won't receive a response until tomorrow. For context, I am on a treatment regimen that includes 20mg of Abilify and 50mg of Pristiq, and I do not consume alcohol. Today, I also took Sudafed PE twice to help with my symptoms.
Scaly Rash Emerging Near Cat Bite
I am a 30-year-old female, and I recently noticed a small, red rash that is raised and scaly around a bite I received on my calf from a fully vaccinated indoor cat. This rash is not warm, swollen, painful, or itchy and emerged roughly a week after the incident. The outline of the rash is distinctly defined, resembling a diamond shape, and is approximately the size of my thumbprint. I have a history of eczema from my childhood, and I have also been diagnosed with combined symptoms of Lupus and Scleroderma, in addition to mucous membrane pemphigoid; however, all of these conditions are currently well managed. The rash does not appear to be infected, and I’ve come across information suggesting that skin injuries can lead to the development of autoimmune sores in the same area. What might be the cause of this rash?