No, hot water is not a treatment for jaundice, and in some cases, it may even be counterproductive. While boiling water is effective in killing bacteria and viruses that can cause some waterborne illnesses (including the possibility of preventing dehydration from contaminated water which can worsen jaundice symptoms), it has no impact on jaundice itself.
Understanding Jaundice
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. It's a symptom, not a disease in itself, and its cause must be identified and treated. Several sources, including the Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/side-effects/jaundice), Mount Sinai (https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/discharge-instructions/newborn-jaundice-discharge), and the Better Health Channel (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/jaundice-in-babies) explain that jaundice treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity.
Water and Jaundice
While staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and can help manage some symptoms associated with jaundice, the water temperature is irrelevant. The Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15367-adult-jaundice) emphasizes good personal hygiene, including handwashing, but doesn't mention water temperature in relation to jaundice. In fact, the Canadian Cancer Society recommends lukewarm water for bathing to soothe itchy skin, a common symptom of jaundice. (https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/side-effects/jaundice). UpToDate (https://www.uptodate.com/contents/jaundice-in-newborn-infants-beyond-the-basics/print) explicitly states that exposure to sunlight, previously thought helpful, is no longer recommended.
One Quora response (https://www.quora.com/Do-I-get-jaundice-if-I-drink-hot-water) incorrectly suggests that drinking hot water prevents jaundice. This is inaccurate; jaundice is not caused by a lack of hot water consumption.
In summary, focusing on hydration with water of any temperature suitable for drinking is advisable, but hot water itself offers no benefit in treating or preventing jaundice. Treatment for jaundice focuses on addressing the underlying cause, not water temperature.
