Lycopenemia

Lycopenemia is a medical condition characterized by the orange discoloration of the skin due to excessive consumption of lycopene, a carotenoid found in certain fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and watermelons. The condition is harmless and reversible.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of lycopenemia is an orange discoloration of the skin, particularly in areas with a high concentration of sweat glands such as the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. This discoloration is due to the deposition of lycopene in the skin. Other symptoms may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort.

Causes

Lycopenemia is caused by the excessive consumption of lycopene-rich foods. Lycopene is a carotenoid, a type of pigment that gives certain fruits and vegetables their red, orange, or yellow color. Foods high in lycopene include tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, and guavas.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of lycopenemia is typically made based on the patient's dietary history and the characteristic orange discoloration of the skin. There are no specific laboratory tests for lycopenemia, but a blood test may show elevated levels of carotenoids.

Treatment

The treatment for lycopenemia involves reducing the intake of lycopene-rich foods. The skin discoloration will gradually fade as the body metabolizes the excess lycopene.

See also

• Carotenosis
• Hypervitaminosis A
• Lycopene

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