Why does jaundice present as a yellow pigment?

Jaundice presents as a yellow pigmentation primarily because of the buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow compound that is a byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from old red blood cells. Under normal circumstances, bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted as part of bile; however, when this process is impeded due to liver disease, blockage of bile ducts, or increased destruction of red blood cells, bilirubin accumulates.

This accumulation leads to an increase in bilirubin levels in the blood, resulting in a yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera (the white part of the eyes), which is characteristic of jaundice. The yellow color is specifically associated with the unconjugated form of bilirubin when it is present in excessive amounts, indicating an underlying pathology that requires medical attention.