Carotenosis
Carotenosis
Carotenosis (/kærətɪˈnoʊsɪs/) is a benign and reversible medical condition where an excess of dietary carotenoids results in orange discoloration of the outermost skin layer. This condition is commonly associated with the consumption of large amounts of carotene-rich foods.
Etymology
The term "Carotenosis" is derived from the word "carotene", which refers to a type of photosynthetic pigment, and the suffix "-osis", which is used in medical terminology to denote a condition or disorder.
Causes
Carotenosis is typically caused by the excessive consumption of carotene-rich foods such as carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. The body converts carotene into Vitamin A, but when the body has more carotene than it can convert, the excess carotene is stored in the fat under the skin, leading to the characteristic orange discoloration.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of carotenosis is an orange discoloration of the skin, particularly in areas with a high concentration of sweat glands such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Unlike jaundice, the whites of the eyes remain white.
Treatment
Treatment for carotenosis typically involves reducing the intake of carotene-rich foods. Once the consumption of these foods is decreased, the skin discoloration will gradually fade over time.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carotenosis
- Wikipedia's article - Carotenosis
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