Carotenemia: A Case Report

Abstract

Carotenemia is a condition characterized by yellow-orange discoloration of the skin usually secondary to excessive ingestion of foods rich in carotene. It occurs in the absence of yellow discoloration of the sclera. Carotenemia is a benign condition; hence, further diagnostic testing is unnecessary. We present a case of carotenemia secondary to excessive ingestion of papaya and mango.

The Role of Vitamin A in Retinal Diseases

“…Carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A) are considered relatively safe, and their toxicity is extremely rare. Excessive and prolonged beta-carotene consumption causes yellow-orange discolouration of skin thick areas, such as palms and soles, however this is a benign, reversible condition [1,19]. Nevertheless, adverse health effects concerning carotenoids have been reported in smokers who had a higher incidence of lung cancer and Carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A) are considered relatively safe, and their toxicity is extremely rare.…”

Diet-induced carotenoderma – a rare clinical presentation

“…Karoten jest barwnikiem z grupy lipochromów, który odpowiada za żółtawy odcień skóry. Karotenodermia oznacza pomarańczowożółte zabarwienie skóry wskutek hiperkarotenemii, która powoduje odkładanie się karotenu w skórze, głównie w warstwie rogowej naskórka [1]. Często jest następstwem dużego spożycia β-karotenu zawartego w warzywach, owocach, jajach i suplementach diety.…”

“…Często jest następstwem dużego spożycia β-karotenu zawartego w warzywach, owocach, jajach i suplementach diety. Karotenodermia może mieć również związek z chorobami metabolicznymi, takimi jak niedoczynność tarczycy, schorzenia wątroby, cukrzyca i jadłowstręt psychiczny, a także może występować w czasie ciąży [1]. Karotenodermia związana ze sposobem odżywiania jest zwykle opisywana u dzieci, ale rzadko u dorosłych.…”

“…1), a także żółtawe zabarwienie środkowej części Carotene is a lipochrome which adds a yellowish tinge to the skin. Carotenoderma is an orange yellow pigmentation of the skin, resulting from hypercarotenemia leading to carotene deposition in the skin, mainly the stratum corneum [1]. It occurs commonly due to high β-carotene intake from vegetables, fruits, eggs, and nutrient supplements.…”

“…It occurs commonly due to high β-carotene intake from vegetables, fruits, eggs, and nutrient supplements. Several metabolic diseases including hypothyroidism, liver disorders, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy and anorexia nervosa have also been incriminated in carotenoderma [1]. Diet-related carotenoderma has usually been described in children but rarely in adults.…”