Carotenemia 

  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 27, 2011
 

Background

Carotenemia is a common finding in children, mainly due to the excessive intake of carrots, but it can also be associated with the ingestion of many other yellow and green vegetables and citrus fruits. Carotene is a lipochrome that normally adds yellow color to the skin. With elevated blood levels of carotene, the prominence of this yellowing is increased. Carotenemia may be particularly evident when the stratum corneum is thickened or when the subcutaneous fat is strongly represented. The condition of carotenemia is harmless, but it can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of jaundice.

Awareness of carotenemia may avoid confusion with jaundice and unnecessary diagnostic studies. Mothers may induce it by giving their infants large amounts of carrots in commercial infant food preparations.[1] Hypothyroidism,[2] diabetes mellitus,[3] hepatic diseases, anorexia nervosa, and renal diseases may be associated with carotenemia unassociated with the ingestion of carotene.[4] Carotenemia may also be associated with the ingestion of carotene-rich nutritional supplements.[5]

Red hues are a challenge for animal coloration, as multiple pigments such as carotenoids, pheomelanin, psittacofulvins, porphyrins, turacin, and hemoglobin may confer red colors.[6]

The health benefits of foods that contains retinoids may encourage their excessive intake, whether as an antioxidant vitamin[7] or to stimulate T cells.[8] A topical retinoid formulation may be used to protect against infrared light–induced free radicals.[9]

Also see the eMedicine Pediatrics article, Carotenemia.

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Pathophysiology

Excessive intake of vitamin A precursors in foods, principally carrots, can lead to a yellow discoloration of the skin but not of the sclera and oral cavity. This condition most commonly occurs in children with liver disease, hypothyroidism, or diabetes mellitus. The absorption of dietary carotenoid requires dietary fat and is enhanced by administering with meals. The conversion of beta-carotene (provitamin A) to vitamin A is accelerated by thyroxine and hyperthyroidism. Excessive ingestion of carotenoids is nontoxic and does not cause hypervitaminosis A because the conversion of carotene to vitamin A is slow.

The consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, may be beneficial in patients with psoriasis and porphyria because of their high content of carotenoids.[10]

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Epidemiology

Frequency

International

This disorder most commonly occurs in vegetarians and young children.

Mortality/Morbidity

Carotenemia is a benign condition.

Race

Carotenemia is more easily appreciated in light-complexioned people, and it may present chiefly as yellowing of the palms and the soles in more darkly pigmented persons.

Age

Carotenemia may occur at any age, but it is most common in children.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH  Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Jack Grzybowski, MD  Staff Physician, Department of Pediatrics, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

Jack Grzybowski, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Maureen B Poh-Fitzpatrick, MD  Professor Emerita of Dermatology and Special Lecturer, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine

Maureen B Poh-Fitzpatrick, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, and New York Academy of Medicine

Disclosure: Lundbeck, Inc. Honoraria Review panel membership; Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. Honoraria Consulting

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary Farley, MD  Dermatologic Surgeon/Mohs Surgeon, Anne Arundel Surgery Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Glen H Crawford, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Chief, Division of Dermatology, The Pennsylvania Hospital

Glen H Crawford, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society of USAF Flight Surgeons

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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  12. Dasanu CA, Dutcher J, Alexandrescu DT. Yellow skin discoloration associated with sorafenib use for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. South Med J. Mar 2007;100(3):328-30. [Medline].

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  18. Granado-Lorencio F, Herrero-Barbudo C, Olmedilla-Alonso B, Blanco-Navarro I, Pérez-Sacristán B. Hypocarotenemia After Bariatric Surgery: A Preliminary Study. Obes Surg. Mar 28 2008;[Medline].

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