Mucosal carotenoderma

Feroze Kaliyadan

 Department of Dermatology, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Correspondence Address:
Feroze Kaliyadan
Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hasa Campus, Al Hasa
Saudi Arabia

A 27-year-old man presented with a history of yellowish discoloration of the skin over his palms. He had a history of increasing the amount of carrots and cucumbers in his diet over the last 4 months. On examination there was significant yellowish discoloration over the palms and prominent yellowish discoloration of the palate [Figure - 1]. The sclera was normal. On investigating the patient, all the laboratory parameters including the liver functions tests, renal function tests, thyroid profile and blood sugars were within normal limits. A diagnosis of primary carotenoderma was made and the patient was advised to avoid foods with high carotene levels. Normally, the discoloration of carotenodema subsides in about 3 months after cessation of excess carotene intake.

Figure 1: Yellowish-orange discoloration of the palate and the palms (inset)