Jaundice is the yellow coloration or pigmentation of the skin, conjuctival membranes and mucous membranes. It occurs as a result of high levels of a substance known as bilirubin in the blood and extracellular fluids. This condition is known as hyperbilirubinemia. It occurs when the levels of bilirubin exceed the usual concentration of 1.5mg/dl in the blood and extracellular fluids. Bilirubin is a bye product of destroyed red blood cells that is normally broken down by the biliary system. When it is not broken down for various reasons, its levels rise in the blood and body fluids which leads to jaundice.