THE CAUSES OF YELLOWING OF THE PALMS AND SOLES IN CHILDREN

Yellow discoloration of the palms and soles is a fairly common finding in pediatric clinical practice and is also one of the reasons that cause many parents to worry and bring their children to medical attention. 

So, is this condition dangerous? Let’s find out with Dr. Pham Thi Thuy Trang, MD, Specialist Level I – Head of Pediatrics Department, CarePlus Clinic System. 

1️⃣ Common clinical features 

▶️ Most commonly seen in children during the complementary feeding (weaning) period. 

▶️ Yellow discoloration typically appears on the palms, soles, chin, and nasolabial folds, without scleral icterus, and without splenomegaly. 

▶️ The child is otherwise healthy, active, and developing normally. 

2️⃣ What are the causes? 

▶️ The most common cause is elevated blood carotene levels (carotenemia) — a pigment found in many foods, especially: 

▪️ Excessive intake of carotene-rich foods such as carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mangoes, papaya, watermelon, oranges, peaches, etc. 

▪️ Less commonly, it may be associated with certain medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, liver disease, or kidney disease. 

3️⃣ How should it be managed? 

▶️ Parents should reduce or temporarily stop feeding foods high in carotene. 
If the yellow discoloration gradually resolves on its own, causes no complications, and does not affect the child’s health, the condition is likely diet-related. 

▶️ Conversely, if the skin remains yellow despite dietary adjustments, or if the child appears unwell, or parents remain concerned, the child should be brought to a pediatrician for timely evaluation and appropriate counseling. 

🔔 Doctor’s advice 

Not all cases of jaundice or yellow skin discoloration are dangerous. Understanding the underlying cause helps parents feel reassured and care for their child appropriately.