Typically, jaundice develops after a condition has been present for a while. Other symptoms of the disorder tend to occur before jaundice is noticeable.

Other symptoms that occur along with jaundice generally depend on the underlying cause of the jaundice. However, some are so common that they may be expected when the skin discoloration occurs. These include:

• Generalized itching (pruritus). High levels of bilirubin in the blood often cause itching all over the body. This itching can be merely annoying or it can be severe enough to interfere with sleep or daily activities.
  
  
• Urine discoloration. The urine is also frequently affected in jaundiced individuals. When levels of bilirubin are high, the pigment may be expelled through the kidneys. This frequently results in dark brown urine. The color may even be dark enough to resemble the color of tea or cola.
  
  
• Stool discoloration. When jaundice occurs because of an obstruction in a major bile duct (cholestasis), bile is not secreted into the intestines in sufficient amounts. This tends to result in light, pale yellow or white stools. These stools are also greasy and oily due to high amounts of fat.