Can Papaya Cause Yellowish Skin Discoloration?
Yes, excessive papaya consumption can cause yellowish skin discoloration, a benign condition called carotenemia that results from high intake of carotene-rich foods. 1
Mechanism and Clinical Presentation
Carotenemia develops when individuals consume excessive amounts of carotene-rich foods over a period of months, leading to characteristic yellow-orange pigmentation of the skin. 2
Key distinguishing features:
- Yellowing is most prominent on the palms and soles 2, 3
- The sclera (whites of the eyes) and oral mucosa remain normal in color – this is the critical feature that distinguishes carotenemia from jaundice 3, 1
- The discoloration is entirely benign and does not indicate vitamin A toxicity, as the conversion of carotene to vitamin A is slow 3
Papaya as a Causative Agent
A documented case report specifically describes carotenemia resulting from excessive ingestion of papaya and mango, confirming that papaya can indeed cause this condition. 1 While carrots are the most commonly cited cause in the literature 3, any carotene-rich food—including papaya, oranges, winter squash, and even some green vegetables—can produce carotenemia when consumed in large quantities. 2, 3, 4
Predisposing Factors
Certain conditions may increase susceptibility to carotenemia even with normal carotene intake:
- Hypothyroidism 2, 3
- Diabetes mellitus 2, 3
- Genetic defects in the enzyme 15-15'-carotenoid dioxygenase 2
- Anorexia nervosa 2, 3
Recent evidence suggests that genetic predisposition may play a role, as some individuals develop hypercarotenaemia without major increases in carotenoid intake. 2
Clinical Management
No treatment or diagnostic workup is necessary – carotenemia is a benign condition that resolves spontaneously when carotene intake is reduced. 3, 1 The primary clinical importance is recognizing this condition to avoid:
The absence of scleral icterus is the key clinical finding that rules out pathologic jaundice. 3