Carotenodermia

Skin may turn yellow at high doses due to zeaxanthin accumulation.

Carotenodermia is a benign skin condition characterized by yellow-orange discoloration, primarily affecting the palms, soles, and nasolabial folds. It results from elevated levels of carotenoids in the blood (hypercarotenemia). These carotenoids accumulate in the stratum corneum of the skin, leading to the visible discoloration. The discoloration is usually uniform, does not cause itching or other associated symptoms like pain, and is purely cosmetic. While harmless, it can be mistaken for jaundice, leading to unnecessary anxiety and testing. The condition typically resolves spontaneously upon reducing the intake of carotenoid-rich foods or supplements. In rare instances, underlying metabolic disorders can contribute to hypercarotenemia and subsequent carotenodermia.