What Causes Skin Under Eyes to Turn Yellow?

Yellow skin under the eyes is generally a result of a medical condition called jaundice, which arises when people have excess amounts of bilirubin in their systems. Jaundice causes the skin and the area around the eyes to turn a yellow color, which ranges in shade from pale and nearly white to dark yellow. There are many causes of jaundice, such as conditions of the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, according to Heathline.
Jaundice is created from the excess formation of bilirubin, which is a yellow-tinted pigment formed when red blood cells in the liver die and breakdown. In healthy individuals, the liver eliminates red blood cells along with bilirubin. When there is too much bilirubin in the body, however, the liver cannot keep up with expelling adequate amounts of bilirubin to prevent the onset of jaundice.
While yellow skin and yellowing below the eyes are the most common symptoms of jaundice, the disease may present other physical symptoms as well. The white areas of the eyes, for instance, may turn a tan or brown color, and people suffering from the condition may have darkcolored urine and pale stools. Some conditions produce gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting. Underlying conditions, such as hepatitis and cancer may present extreme levels of fatigue as well.