What is
carotenemia?
Carotenemia is a harmless condition in which
the skin turns a yellowish color from eating lots of certain
foods. Unlike jaundice, the whites of the eyes remain white.
This happens most often between 6 and 18 months of age. Your
child's skin turns a yellow-orange color because of the
pigment (carotene) found in yellow vegetables (squash,
carrots, sweet potatoes), as well as some fruits (such as
oranges, apricots, and peaches). Carotene is also found in
green vegetables (for example green beans and peas). You do
not need to have your child stop eating these foods unless
you want to change your child's skin tone.
After a return to a more normal diet, the
carotenemia color will disappear in 3 or 4 weeks. Even
without dietary change, the skin color will gradually return
to normal by 2 or 3 years of age.
When should I
call my child's health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Your child has vomited any blood.
- Your child is confused or difficult to
awaken.
- Your child is acting very sick.
Call during office hours about:
- All other children with yellowish skin
or eyes.
