carotenemia

What is Carotenemia?

Carotenemia, also known as carotenaemia or xanthoderma, is a medical condition characterized by yellow-orange skin pigmentation due to high levels of carotene in the blood. This condition is usually harmless and can be caused by excessive consumption of foods rich in carotene, such as carrots, pumpkins, and other yellow and green vegetables.

Symptoms of Carotenemia

The symptoms of carotenemia include:

• Yellow-orange skin pigmentation, which can be most prominent on the palms and soles
• Elevated blood carotene levels
• No other underlying health issues or complications

Causes of Carotenemia

Carotenemia is often caused by eating excessive amounts of foods rich in carotene. Other rare causes include:

• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Anorexia nervosa
• Pregnancy

History of Carotenemia

Carotenemia was first described in 1919 by Hess and Meyers, making it a relatively old medical condition.

Key Points to Remember

• Carotenemia is a harmless condition characterized by yellow-orange skin pigmentation.
• It can be caused by excessive consumption of foods rich in carotene.
• Other rare causes include hypothyroidism, diabetes, anorexia nervosa, and pregnancy.

References:

[1] First described in 1919 by Hess and Meyers (context #14) [2] Excessive consumption of fruits and vegetables high in carotene content is often the culprit (context #14) [3] Carotenemia is a benign clinical condition (context #5) [4] Yellow discoloration of the skin and elevated blood carotene levels are characteristic of carotenemia (context #6)

What are the signs and symptoms of carotenemia?

Carotenemia, also known as carotenoderma, is a harmless condition characterized by yellow or orange discoloration of the skin due to excess intake of foods rich in carotene. The main symptom of carotenemia is:

• Yellow- or orange-hued skin: This is the hallmark symptom of carotenemia, and it tends to appear in thick areas of the skin, such as the palms, soles, and face [1].
• Increased beta-carotene levels in the blood: Carotenemia is characterized by elevated levels of beta-carotene in the blood, which can lead to yellow pigmentation of the skin (xanthoderma) [2].

In some cases, carotenemia may be associated with other symptoms, such as:

• Pruritus (itching)
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss

However, these symptoms are not specific to carotenemia and can be caused by various other conditions [5].

It's worth noting that carotenemia is a harmless condition and does not require any treatment. The discoloration of the skin will fade once the excess intake of carotene-rich foods is stopped [6].

Carotenemia, also known as carotenoderma, is a condition characterized by yellow or orange discoloration of the skin due to high levels of beta-carotene in the blood. While there are no specific diagnostic tests for carotenemia, healthcare providers can make a diagnosis based on a combination of factors.

Diet History and Physical Examination: A diet history and physical examination are usually sufficient to make the diagnosis of carotenoderma (1). This involves asking questions about the patient's diet and performing a physical examination to look for signs of yellow or orange discoloration of the skin.

Blood Tests: Blood tests can also be used to confirm the diagnosis. A high serum beta-carotene level, a normal or slightly elevated vitamin A level, and normal liver function test results can verify carotenemia (4, 6). The carotene test checks for the levels of carotene in the blood, providing an indirect measure of a person's vitamin A levels since the body can convert beta-carotene to vitamin A (5).

Clinical Significance: Carotenemia is usually not serious and does not require specific diagnostic tests. However, it can be a sign of underlying nutritional deficiencies or excessive ingestion of beta-carotene-rich foods (7). Laboratory testing may show elevated serum carotene levels, in the range of 250 to 500 micrograms/dL, with normal or mildly elevated liver function test results (9).

In summary, while there are no specific diagnostic tests for carotenemia, a combination of diet history, physical examination, and blood tests can confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests may show high serum beta-carotene levels, which can be an indirect measure of vitamin A levels.

References: (1) Mar 15, 2023 (4) by E Edigin · 2019 · Cited by 11 (5) The carotene test checks for the levels of carotene in the blood. (6) by E Edigin · 2019 · Cited by 11 (7) Clinical Significance. Carotene - Beta Carotene, a fat soluble nutrient, is a precursor to vitamin A. (9) Jul 12, 2023

Treatment Options for Carotenemia

Carotenemia, also known as carotenoderma, is a benign condition characterized by yellow-orange discoloration of the skin due to excessive intake of foods rich in carotene. The treatment for carotenemia is usually straightforward and involves reducing carotene intake through dietary modification.

• Dietary Modification: The primary treatment for carotenemia is to reduce or eliminate the consumption of foods high in carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables [4]. This can help alleviate symptoms and allow the skin color to return to normal.
• Treatment of Underlying Conditions: In cases where carotenemia is secondary to an underlying medical condition, treatment should focus on addressing that condition. For example, if carotenemia is caused by a liver or pancreatic disorder, treating those conditions may resolve the skin discoloration [5].
• No Specific Medication Required: Unlike some other skin conditions, there is no specific medication or treatment required for carotenemia. The condition is generally self-limiting and resolves once carotene intake is reduced.

Key Points

• Carotenemia is a benign condition that can be treated through dietary modification.
• Reducing or eliminating foods high in carotene can help alleviate symptoms.
• Treatment of underlying conditions may be necessary if carotenemia is secondary to another medical issue.
• No specific medication is required for carotenemia.

References

[4] July 6, 2024 - Treatment of carotenoderma is usually just a matter of reducing carotene intake by dietary modification · Patients with secondary carotenaemia should be treated for the underlying medical condition. Carotenoderma is a benign condition. The skin colour should return to normal but may take several ...

[5] June 23, 2024 - Unlike some other skin conditions, there is no specific medication or treatment required for carotenemia. The condition is generally self-limiting and resolves once carotene intake is reduced.

Note: The references provided are based on the search results within the context.

Differential Diagnosis of Carotenemia

Carotenemia, also known as carotenoderma, is a clinical condition characterized by yellow pigmentation of the skin (xanthoderma) and increased beta-carotene levels in the blood. The differential diagnosis for carotenemia includes several conditions that can present with similar symptoms.

Conditions to Consider:

• Jaundice: A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels. Jaundice is a key differential diagnosis for carotenemia, as it can also cause yellow pigmentation of the skin (1).
• Ingestion or percutaneous absorption of drugs or chemicals: Certain substances, such as quinacrine and dinitrophenol, can cause carotenemia-like symptoms. It's essential to consider these substances in the differential diagnosis (3).
• Lycopenemia: A condition associated with an orange-red discoloration of the skin, typically caused by excessive intake of lycopene-rich foods like tomatoes and beets (9).

Key Differences:

• The absence of yellow pigment in the sclera and oral cavities distinguishes carotenemia from jaundice (5).
• Lycopenemia is associated with an orange-red discoloration, whereas carotenemia typically presents with a yellow pigmentation (9).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, differential diagnosis for carotenemia involves considering several conditions that can present with similar symptoms. A thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory results is essential to accurately diagnose carotenemia.

References:

[1] - Carotenemia is a clinical condition characterized by yellow pigmentation of the skin (xanthoderma) and increased beta-carotene levels in the blood. [3] - Ingestion or percutaneous absorption of drugs or chemicals, such as quinacrine, dinitrophenol, ... [5] - The absence of yellow pigment in the sclera and oral cavities distinguishes carotenemia from jaundice. [9] - Lycopenemia is associated with an orange-red discoloration, whereas carotenemia typically presents with a yellow pigmentation.