Pseudoyellows

Pseudoyellows refers to a group of conditions that mimic the symptoms of jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. While jaundice is caused by issues with the liver or gallbladder, pseudoyellows arise from other causes that lead to yellow discoloration.

One common cause of pseudoyellows is carotenemia, a harmless condition resulting from excessive intake of carotene-rich foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins. The carotene pigment, which is orange-yellow, can accumulate in the outer layers of the skin, particularly on the palms and soles, giving a yellowish hue. This condition does not affect the whites of the eyes, which is a key differentiator from true jaundice.

Another cause can be the use of certain medications or dyes that impart a yellow color to the skin. For instance, some drugs used to treat urinary tract infections can cause a temporary yellowing. Additionally, quinacrine, an antimalarial drug, can also lead to a yellow discoloration of the skin.

In some rare instances, pseudoyellows can be associated with specific metabolic disorders or exposure to certain chemicals. However, the most frequent culprits remain carotenemia and medication-induced discoloration. Differentiating pseudoyellows from true jaundice is crucial for proper diagnosis and management, and this distinction is often made through medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to assess bilirubin levels.