Jaundice, also called icterus, represents a condition characterized by the yellowing of skin, sclera (white of eye) and other tissues, caused by excessive blood bilirubin levels.
The normal level of bilirubin is about 0.5mg/dL. Jaundice becomes visible only when the level of bilirubin exceeds 1.5 mg/dL.
Jaundice causes arte classified into three categories: pre-hepatic causes, hepatic causes and post-hepatic causes.
Jaundice is a frequent sign in hepatitis. Hepatitis, as a cause of jaundice is classified into hepatic causes category. In hepatitis jaundice is usually preceded by the darkening of the urine and discoloration of stool. Also, jaundice is frequently associated with skin itchiness (pruritus), especially in post-hepatic jaundice (also called obstructive jaundice).

Acute hepatitis evolution has several phases. First is the incubation period, when the virus multiplies and spreads. This period is asymptomatic (shows no signs). The second phase is the prodromal period, which manifests with such symptoms as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fever and, possibly, dull pain in the right part of the upper abdomen. Than follows the icteric period, characterized by jaundice and preceded by urine darkening and, sometimes, itchiness. During this phase the liver is usually enlarged and sensitive to touch. Jaundice period can last up to 2-4 weeks.
Hepatitis evolution can be mild, with no jaundice and sometimes can show no symptoms at all. These patients present a high risk of infection for the others, as long as they do not know that they have hepatitis.