What Are Yellow Feet?
Yellow discoloration may affect the toes, soles, or entire foot. Yellow feet are generally not serious. However, it is important to identify the root cause to give the proper treatment. Yellow feet can have multiple causes, such as jaundice, excessive vitamin intake, drug reactions, or chemical exposure.
What Are the Common Causes of Yellow Feet?
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Callus: A callus is a thickened area of skin that can occur on the feet due to friction or pressure. They are commonly seen on the sole. It appears yellow due to the accumulation of dead skin cells in the callused area. In some cases, calluses can become discolored due to a fungal infection. Calluses can also cause pain, discomfort, or difficulty when walking, especially if they are located in weight-bearing areas of the foot. If the yellow discoloration is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or foul odor, it is advisable to see a healthcare professional to rule out an infection.
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Jaundice: It is a condition that causes yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes due to high bilirubin levels in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced when red blood cells are broken down. Normally, bilirubin is transported to the liver, where it is processed and excreted in the bile. However, when there is an excess of bilirubin or a defect in the processing and excretion of bilirubin, it can collect in the bloodstream and cause jaundice. There are several causes of jaundice, including liver disease, hemolytic anemia, and blockages in the bile ducts. Liver disease affects the processing of bilirubin and may lead to jaundice. Hemolytic anemia is a condition characterized by the rapid destruction of red blood cells, resulting in a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bile duct blockages affect the proper excretion of bilirubin, causing it to build up in the bloodstream.
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Eating Certain Foods Containing Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments that are responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors found in fruits and vegetables. These pigments can also be found in animal-based products, such as egg yolks and fatty fish. Beta carotene is an important carotenoid present in carrots. Other foods containing carotenoids include citrus fruits, mango, papaya, sweet potato, and green vegetables. When carotenoids are consumed in large amounts, they can be deposited in the skin, giving it a yellow or orange tint. This is known as carotenemia and is generally harmless. Carotenemia can cause yellow discoloration of the soles of the feet in rare cases. This usually clears up once the person reduces their consumption of carotenoid-rich foods.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia: This condition occurs when the body has insufficient iron to make enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. The lack of oxygen in the body may cause the yellow feet and other parts to appear yellow and pale.
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Raynaud’s Disease: This causes excessive constriction of the blood vessels in the fingers and toes in response to stress or cold temperatures. This can cause the affected areas to turn white or blue and red when the blood flow returns. In severe cases, the lack of blood flow can lead to tissue damage and discoloration, including yellow feet. The yellowing of the skin may be due to the accumulation of bilirubin (a yellow pigment) in the skin due to blood vessel constriction.
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Intake of High Levels of Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the spices which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin (bright yellow pigment) is the active component in turmeric.
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Medication-Induced: Yellow skin discoloration was reported with several medications, including the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors Sorafenib and Sunitinib, Trastuzumab, Quinacrine, and Dipyridamole.
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Exposure to Chemicals: Among chemical exposures, dinitrophenol or its derivative, picric acid, methylenedianiline, and saffron are all associated with the yellowing of the skin, hair, and nails at sites of contact.
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Fungal Infections: Athlete’s foot can cause the skin on the feet to become yellow and scaly. These infections are caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. Symptoms include yellowing skin, itching, burning, and redness of the affected area.
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Diabetes: Sometimes, a person with uncontrolled blood sugar shows yellowish skin discoloration.
How Can Yellow Feet Be Diagnosed?
Yellow feet can be caused by several conditions, like jaundice, athlete's foot, and certain medications. A physical examination and laboratory tests, such as blood tests, may be needed to diagnose the underlying cause. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. They will advise certain blood tests to find the exact cause of yellow feet. The blood tests include:
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Complete blood count.
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Liver function tests.
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Blood glucose test.
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Beta carotene level test.
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Bilirubin blood test.
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Cholesterol test.
How Can Yellow Feet Be Treated?
Managing yellow feet requires identifying the underlying cause. Steps that can be taken to treat various causes include the following.
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Fungal Infections Like Athlete’s Foot: Using over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams as directed is important. It is important to continue using the cream for the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve. Keeping the feet clean and dry, and wearing breathable shoes that allow the feet to air out, can also help prevent fungal infections.
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Jaundice: If jaundice is the cause of yellow feet, it is typically treated by managing the underlying condition, such as liver disease. Healthcare professionals may recommend medications, diet changes, or other treatments to help manage the condition.
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Medication-Related Yellowing: If a medication causes yellow feet, a healthcare professional may advise switching to a different medication or adjusting the dosage.
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Carotenemia: Individuals who have yellow skin from consuming excessive amounts of carotenoids in their diet can typically reverse this condition by decreasing their intake of these foods.
Conclusion
Yellow feet can have various causes, including fungal infections, jaundice, and certain medications. It is crucial to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. If the person has only yellow discoloration on feet, the cause is most likely to be a callus or a high intake of carotenoid-containing foods. Healthcare professionals can treat calluses and other foot problems. A dietician can help a person plan a more balanced diet. In general, it is important to maintain good foot hygiene, as this can help prevent fungal infections.
