If you spend a little too much time out in the sun, you may notice that your skin takes on a different hue. But what if it’s your feet that have a little discoloration, and it’s yellowish instead of tan? We take a closer look at four reasons why your feet may be a little yellowish in color in today’s blog.
Yellow Feet
There are a couple main reasons why your feet could have a yellow hue. Here’s four of the most common reasons:
1. Jaundice – Jaundice is a condition that leads to the yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes. It’s a condition in which a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells isn’t disposed of properly by the body. The substance is known as bilirubin, and it can lead to skin discoloration if not properly taken care of by the liver. It can be a sign of a larger health problem including liver failure, gallstones, hepatitis or a side effect of certain medications like penicillin or anabolic steroids. If jaundice is suspected, you should visit a physician so that the root cause can be identified and treated.
2. Callus Formation – A callus is a thickened area of skin that develops as a response to pressure or fiction. It should come as no surprise that the feet are one of the most common locations for callus formation. Calluses can appear waxy or yellowish, giving our feet a discolored look. They aren’t usually a cause for concern, but you may want to re-evaluate your shoe choice and how much time you spend on your feet in certain pairs. You can also use callus-protection pads in your shoes or file them down with a pumice stone.
3. Anemia – Anemia is a health condition caused by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, which results in tiredness and a pallor of the skin. This can sometimes present as a yellowish color instead of paleness, but many times the condition can be handled with iron supplements and dietary changes.
4. Raynaud’s Disease – Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects up to 10 percent of the population, and it can cause discoloration in the fingers or toes due to the cold or even emotional stress. It’s sometimes accompanied by numbness or tingling in the digits. Mild forms of the condition can be managed by wearing gloves in cold temperatures and managing emotional stress in healthy ways, while more serious forms may require medication or nerve surgery.
If you have yellow feet or toes and want answers and help managing the condition, reach out to Dr. Silverman’s office today.