Carotenemia

Excerpt

First described in 1919 by Hess and Meyers, carotenemia is the medical terminology describing yellow-orange skin pigmentation due to high carotene levels in the blood. Excessive consumption of fruits and vegetables high in carotene content is often the culprit. Historically, carotenemia is a relatively old condition mentioned in a few old medical case reports. This condition was also reported during World War 1 and World War 2, when people mostly consumed a plant-based diet due to food shortages and famine. Carotenoids are organic compounds found in various plants and food items. Beta-Carotene is the main carotenoid found in plants and is more often responsible for this condition. Carotenemia is often first encountered by primary care providers. Although benign, this condition is often confused with jaundice, leading to unnecessary investigations.

The condition of carotenemia is benign; however, it can lead to a wrong diagnosis of jaundice. Orangeness may also bear a significant symbolic significance. Carotinemia was originally observed as xanthosis diabetica by von Noorden in 1904, who noted it to be more prominent on the palms and soles and in the nasolabial folds.