Why Is My Baby's Face, Hands, and Feet Yellow? Causes Explained

The yellowing of the face, hands, and feet in your brother could be caused by several factors, with the most common being jaundice. Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream, which can result from liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells). Other potential causes could include certain infections, metabolic

Hello Dr.
Hsiao,
My younger brother is already seven months old, but I recently noticed that his face, hands, and feet have turned yellow, while his eyes are not yellow.
What could be the cause of this? I heard that eating carrots can cause the skin to turn yellow.
Since he started eating solid foods at five months, he has been eating carrots almost every day.
Could this be the reason for the yellowing of his face, hands, and feet? Or could it be due to jaundice?
When he was born, his bilirubin levels were slightly high but still within the normal range.
Is it possible for him to still have jaundice at seven months old? Or could he have contracted hepatitis? If he has hepatitis, what symptoms would he exhibit? Would it cause yellowing of the face, hands, and feet? Should he undergo a blood test?

Zhuang Tai Tai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/10/05

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

If one consumes a large amount of carotenoid-rich foods over a long period, such as carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, papayas, and mangoes, it can lead to a yellowish pigmentation deposit in the skin (especially on the face, palms, and soles), resulting in a localized yellowish skin tone.
However, this is significantly different from jaundice, as it does not cause the whites of the eyes to turn yellow (if the skin is yellow enough to be noticeable, the sclera would also appear very yellow in jaundice).
This condition is benign and does not harm the body; reducing the intake of such foods will improve skin color.

Reply Date: 2012/10/05

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding your baby’s yellowing skin, particularly on the face, hands, and feet. It’s understandable to be concerned about changes in your baby’s skin color, especially when it comes to potential health issues. Let’s explore the possible causes and what you should consider.

The yellowing of the skin you are observing in your baby is likely due to a condition known as carotenemia, which is caused by the excessive intake of foods rich in carotenoids, such as carrots and papayas. Carotenoids are pigments found in many fruits and vegetables that can lead to a yellowish tint in the skin when consumed in large amounts. This condition is generally harmless and is characterized by a yellowish discoloration of the skin, particularly noticeable on the palms, soles, and face, while the whites of the eyes (sclera) remain unaffected.
Since you mentioned that your baby has been consuming carrots almost daily since starting solid foods, this could very well be the reason for the yellowing. Carotenemia is benign and will resolve on its own once the intake of carotenoid-rich foods is reduced. Typically, the skin color will return to normal within a few weeks after stopping or reducing these foods.

On the other hand, jaundice is another condition that can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, but it is usually associated with liver issues or other medical conditions. Since you noted that your baby had a slightly elevated bilirubin level at birth, it’s important to clarify that newborn jaundice is common and often resolves as the baby matures. By the age of seven months, it is unusual for a baby to still have jaundice unless there is an underlying health issue.

If your baby’s eyes are not yellow, this is a good sign that it is not jaundice. However, if you notice any other symptoms such as dark urine, pale stools, irritability, poor feeding, or any signs of illness, it would be prudent to consult your pediatrician. They may recommend blood tests to check liver function and bilirubin levels if there are any concerns.

Regarding hepatitis, while it can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, it typically presents with additional symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. If your baby is otherwise healthy and active, it is less likely that hepatitis is the cause of the yellowing.

In summary, the yellowing of your baby’s skin is most likely due to carotenemia from the consumption of carrots and possibly other carotenoid-rich foods. It is generally harmless and should resolve with dietary adjustments. However, if you have any concerns about your baby’s health or if there are additional symptoms, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician for a thorough evaluation and peace of mind. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to ensuring your baby’s health and well-being.

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