Tag: Jaundice vs carotenemia

Carotenemia, a harmless condition causing yellow or orange-tinted skin, is surprisingly common, especially in infants and people with restrictive diets. It occurs when there is an excessive intake of foods rich in beta-carotene, a plant pigment that our bodies convert into vitamin A. This article delves into the specific foods responsible, how to differentiate carotenemia from more serious issues like jaundice, and what you can do about it.

Carotenemia, a harmless condition where skin develops a yellow-orange tint, is a common finding in children who consume excessive amounts of carotene-rich foods. This benign effect, often noticed on the palms, soles, and nose, can indeed occur from a diet heavy in sweet potatoes.

According to dermatologists, a condition known as carotenemia, where the skin turns a temporary yellowish-orange, is a surprisingly common and harmless result of elevated carotene levels. It is primarily caused by an excessive intake of fruits and vegetables rich in carotene, the pigment found in orange and yellow produce. While it is typically not a cause for concern, understanding what it means if your carotene is high can help you differentiate it from more serious medical conditions.