Carotene jaundice

Color changes, which can be localized or widespread, can also be a result of a deposition of bile pigments (jaundice), exogenous metal compounds, and direct deposition of elements such as carotene or quinacrine. 

Jaundice occurs when plasma becomes supersaturated with bilirubin (>2-2.5 mg/dL) and the excess diffuses into the skin, sclera, and other tissues. The sclera is particularly affected because it is rich in elastin, which has a high affinity for bilirubin. Reddish yellow pigments, particularly carotene and lycopene, may give a yellowish tinge to the skin but they do not usually produce scleral coloration. Hyperbilirubinemia may result from elevation of unconjugated or conjugated bilirubin levels. 

Precautions GRAS (generally recognized as safe) although excessive consumption can cause the skin to attain a yellow tinge, which is sometimes confused with jaundice. If the cause is beta carotene consumption, it is harmless. 

A yellowish discoloration of the skin, which appears first on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. It is due to a heavy consumption of food rich in carotene. It may sometimes be mistaken for jaundice. However, carotenemia differs from jaundice in that the whites of the eyes and the urine are not discolored. 

---