Skin Coloration

My grandchild is 18 months old and sometimes has yellowish hands and nose. The whites of her eyes are white and clear. She is Caucasean.  The rest of her skin is not affected. What can this be?

Rllr

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Carotenemia.  Kids like yellow vegetables but don't break down carotene as well as adults.  This makes them a little yellow for a while, and then they grow out of it.  Check with the pediatrician who no doubt has already noticed this.  Most carotenemic kids are about 10 months old.  Should be gone soon in yours.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff