Why Your Skin Might Turn Yellow from Eating Too Many Carrots

A harmless condition called carotenemia can turn thick skin yellow or orange. This discolouration often appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It results from eating too much beta-carotene, a pigment found in foods like carrots and sweet potatoes. The condition can also affect the nose, forehead, and other areas, particularly in people with fair skin. Eating 20 to 50 milligrams of beta-carotene daily for a few weeks may trigger the discolouration. Unlike jaundice, carotenemia does not affect the whites of the eyes and is not dangerous.

Carotenemia is temporary and usually fades within weeks or months after reducing beta-carotene intake. Treatment involves cutting back on beta-carotene-rich foods and eating a balanced diet. Certain health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or kidney disease, can also influence beta-carotene levels and contribute to the condition. If the skin discolouration remains after dietary adjustments, medical advice is recommended. The condition itself is harmless and does not cause other health problems. It simply signals an excess of beta-carotene in the body.