Stools, pale or clay colored

Considerations:
Jaundiced (yellow) skin often accompanies clay colored stools.

Bile salts in the stool give it a normal brown color. Obstruction of bile flow out of the liver or a lack of bile salt production will produce clay colored stools.

Possible causes for clay colored stool include:
DISEASE:

MEDICAL TREATMENTS:

Note: There may be other causes of pale or clay colored stools. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for pale or clay colored stools, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Follow prescribed therapy.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • clay colored or pale stools are observed. If possible, a stool specimen should be taken to the doctor's office.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting pale or clay colored stools in detail may include:

  • time pattern
    • When did this first occur?
    • Is every stool this way?

  • medications
    • What medications are being taken?
    • Have you changed medication in any way?

  • other

The physical examination will include emphasis on the abdominal region.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to pale or clay colored stools, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.