Have you ever wondered why the feet of an individual turn yellow? There are various reasons for the cause, the majority of which are not something to worry about.
Jaundice, anemia, and calluses are all possible causes of yellow feet which we can treat without difficulty.
People with yellow feet may also have thick, waxy, or dry skin around the feet and on their legs.
In this, the toes or the soles of the feet are yellow, whereas the other parts of the feet are quite better.
Depending on the underlying cause, there may be the presence of some additional issues as well.
Fatigue, itching, and sensitivity to cold temperatures are examples of these symptoms. You can determine the treatment option for yellow feet by the cause of the symptom.
In this article, we will cover some of the most common causes of yellow feet, along with treatment options and prevention techniques.
Can it be Jaundice?
Sometimes, yellow feet can be a symptom of jaundice. Yellowness around the skin and the whiteness in the eyes is the main symptom of jaundice.
It occurs when the body accumulates too much bilirubin, a waste product, through the breakdown of red blood cells.
Jaundice can make your feet yellow, but it can also cause yellow skin on various other parts of the body as well. In this, itching is quite common, which can become severe at times.
Jaundice is a symptom of the following conditions:
- Hepatitis A, B, or C and other viral infections
- Problems occurring in the gallbladder
- The failure of the liver in worst cases
You should address the underlying cause of jaundice to treat it. People with Jaundice should see their doctor for immediate tests and treatments.
What Are Other Causes of Yellow Feet?
- Calluses
A callus is a thick, hard area that occurs on the skin’s surface, leading to a yellow, flaky, or waxy buildup. As a result of pressure by these flaky particles, calluses form on the skin.
Calluses form on the feet when you wear some ill-fitting shoes or by standing and walking for long durations.
Calluses are not a cause for concern, and they usually do not need medical treatment.
- Anemia
A symptom of iron deficiency anemia is pale or yellow skin. In this, people need iron supplements to increase the levels of this mineral in their blood. Anemic patients may need to make other dietary adjustments as well.
You may require other treatment if low iron levels result from blood loss. Oral contraceptives or medical procedures can often help women with heavy menstrual periods and cramps.
- Raynaud’s Disease
In Raynaud’s disease, a bright white color, which can appear yellow, develops on the skin. The skin becomes blue and then red over time, an exaggerated version of the body’s normal reaction to cold.
The severity of the disease’s symptoms with the presence of other medical conditions determines the course of treatment. You can control mild symptoms by wearing thick gloves and socks and reducing your stress level.
- High Intake of Turmeric
Turmeric is a mild spice used in households as a medicine because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the most active compound present in turmeric is a bright yellow pigment.
The authors of the study also point out that applying turmeric to the skin can also cause it to discolor and turn the skin yellow.
- Carotenemia
The cause of carotenemia is the presence of a high concentration of carotenoids in the blood. It is the pigment that you can find in fruits and vegetables.
Carotenoids are excreted in the urine, sweat, and stool when a person consumes a good amount of fruits and vegetables rich in Carotenoids.
How Can You Prevent Yellow Feet?
- You should maintain good foot hygiene by washing your feet with soap every night and moisturizing them before sleeping.
- The toenails should be clean, dry, and short. Curve the edges as little as possible with the help of a nail filer for a clean look.
- Always try to wear well-fitting shoes. You should avoid wearing tight shoes, socks, and high-heeled shoes.
- Avoid going barefoot outside as it may take the bacteria into the feet, making them dirty.
- Always consume a well-balanced diet rich in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B12.
- Limit your intake of beta-carotene-rich fruits and vegetables.
- Always consume high-fiber and low-cholesterol foods.
- Check out your feet daily for injuries and changes in the skin. Cuts, burns, redness, swelling, corns, or calluses like discoloration, cracks, dryness, and brittleness.
- If you have diabetes, you should check your blood sugar level daily.
- If you have any associated systemic conditions, see your doctor regularly to avoid complications.
When to See a Doctor?
Yellow skin around your feet can sometimes be a sign of a more serious medical problem if you do not pay attention to it. It may become hard to handle if it appears on many parts of the body.
Also, people with yellow skin should see their doctor if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Chest Pain
Once the cause of the problem is clear through testing, you can stay on medications until you are completely fine. A podiatrist can help with calluses and other foot issues, while a dietician can help with meal planning.
Final Thoughts
Hope you have understood everything about the problem of yellow feet and the main causes.
The causes of yellow feet can be quite harmful to your body. When you successfully address the underlying condition, your feet will return to their normal color and heal with time.
The yellow feet can sometimes show a more serious and deeper problem. So it is very critical to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have any concerns or experience with additional symptoms related to this.
Similar Posts:
- Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?
- Why Is My Nose Red?
- Why Are My Toenails Yellow?
- Why Are My Veins So Visible?
- Why Do My Hands Swell When I Walk?
- Why Do Fevers Spike at Night?
- Why Do I Rock Back and Forth?
- Why Are My Ears Hot?
- Why Does My Tongue Feel Weird?
- Why Is My Headache Worse When Lying Down?
