Yellow Feet Causes: Calluses, Diabetes, Liver Conditions, Diet, More

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Skin Care

Why Are My Feet Yellow?

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Corinne O'Keefe Osborn — Updated on March 15, 2018

Calluses
Jaundice
Carotenemia
Diagnosis
Warning signs
Takeaway

Yellow skin on your feet is usually nothing to worry about. Feet endure a lot of pressure and friction, which can lead to the development of thick, discolored skin. In rare cases, it may be a sign of an underlying condition.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes yellow feet and when you should see a doctor.

Calluses

Calluses are thick layers of hardened skin that often develop on the bottom of your feet. They’re more common in areas that experience a lot of friction or regularly have pressure applied to them. This makes the bottom of your feet, including the balls of your feet and heels, particularly prone to calluses.

They look similar to regular skin, but calluses are usually thicker and may be discolored. Other signs of a callus include:

dry, flaky skin
waxy looking skin
hard, thick skin

Calluses are typically painless and only require treatment if their appearance bothers you. If you want to get rid of them, try these over-the-counter treatments and home remedies.

Jaundice

When you have jaundice, your skin and the whites of your eyes look yellow. It occurs when your body contains too much of a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin is a natural, yellow byproduct that forms when your body breaks down old red blood cells. It typically travels through your liver and into your digestive tract. It’s then eliminated as waste.

When your body can’t properly remove bilirubin, it builds up in your bloodstream and leaks into your skin. If jaundice is causing your yellow feet, you’ll likely notice a yellow tint around other areas as well.

Several things can cause jaundice, including:

liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
liver failure
inflammation or a blockage in the bile ducts
medications or conditions that destroy red blood cells
certain herbal supplements

See your doctor right away if you have symptoms of jaundice. They can do a bilirubin blood test, followed by additional testing to figure out what’s causing it.

Carotenemia

Carotenemia occurs when you have too many carotenoids in your bloodstream. Carotenoids are yellow substances that are found in many brightly colored vegetables and fruits. These substances are a normal part of a healthy diet, and they contribute to the natural color of your skin. Carotenoids usually leave your body through urine, stool, sweat, or skin oils.

However, if too many build up in your blood, it can make your skin yellow. This discoloration tends to show up the most on your palms and the soles of your feet.

Many things can cause carotenemia, including the foods you eat and certain health conditions.

Diet

Yes, eating too many carrots can actually give your skin a yellowish tint. Other foods that can cause carotenemia include:

pumpkin
squash
sweet potatoes
peppers
green vegetables
citrus fruits
nutritional supplements

You would have to eat an unusually large amount of these foods over several weeks to notice this effect. If your yellow feet are caused by eating too many carotenoid-rich foods, they should return to their usual color shortly after you reduce your intake of these foods.

Other causes

You can also develop carotenemia from conditions that affect how your body processes and gets rid of carotenoids. Common conditions that might do this include:

high cholesterol
hypothyroidism
diabetes
kidney conditions
liver conditions

These conditions can all cause carotenoids to build up in your bloodstream, where they can eventually start affecting your skin.

Keep in mind that liver conditions can cause both carotenemia and jaundice, which look very similar. If you have a liver condition, a simple blood test can help your doctor narrow down what’s causing your yellow skin.

How is it diagnosed?

If you only notice yellow discoloration on your feet, consider seeing a podiatrist, which is a doctor who specializes in foot conditions. They can easily recognize calluses or any other conditions that might be causing the discoloration.

You can connect to a physician in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

If you notice yellow skin in areas other than just your feet, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They’ll likely start by running a series of tests, including:

a complete blood count
liver function tests
blood glucose test
beta carotene level test
bilirubin blood test
cholesterol test

Depending on the results of these tests, they may also use a CT scan or MRI to help them determine your diagnosis.

Should I be worried?

Sometimes, yellowing skin can indicate medical emergency or serious condition. Contact your doctor immediately if your skin is yellow and you experience any of the following:

bloody or black stools
fever
cognitive problems, such confusion or drowsiness
severe abdominal pain or tenderness
bloody vomit
easy bruising or bleeding

The bottom line

Yellow feet can look alarming, but it’s usually from skin buildup on the soles of your feet. It can also be a bodily response to a diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables. However, it can occasionally signal an underlying condition that needs treatment, so it’s best to check with your doctor if you notice any other symptoms.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Herrine SK, et al. (n.d.). Jaundice in adults.http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/manifestations-of-liver-disease/jaundice-in-adults
Julka S, et al. (2013). Yellow palms and soles:A rare skin manifestation in diabetes mellitus. DOI:https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.119625
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Corns and calluses.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/symptoms-causes/syc-20355946
Ngan V. (2003). Carotenaemia.https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/carotenaemia/

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Corinne O'Keefe Osborn — Updated on March 15, 2018

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