Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, mucous membranes, and white of the eyes turn yellow as a result of high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is released when red blood cells are broken down. Usually, the liver converts bilirubin into bile. However, when this process is interrupted or fails, bilirubin accumulates in the body, leading to jaundice.