turning orange

Hi, my 8 year old boy is a great fan of satsumas.  Before christmas (satsuma season) he was eating a lot of them, probably 8-10 a day.  Subsequently i noticed his nose and the area around was turning a yellowish, orange colour. Also the palms of his hands and the soles of his feet were a deffinate orange colour.  After noticing these colour changes on his body, i stopped him from eating the satsumas.  His nose has resumed its natural tone, however his hands and feet have not.  I thought at one point his hands may just be a colouring that has come of the food.  This is deffinately not the case, as he baths every day and the colour is still present after nearly a month of no satsumas. Otherwise he is in good health, apart from being annoyed at not being allowed to eat his favourite fruit!!! Any ideas?

Tracy Page

[Kevin Pho, MD]

It is very possible that eating that many satsumas would lead to the skin change.  Limiting exposure to this fruit would indeed help.  

The degree of permanence would be patient dependent.  I am not aware of specific medications nor procedures that would treat this.

You can refer this question to a dermatologist for further evaluation.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[jd1419]

I don't know what satumas are-but if they are very orange it is probably a karotine coloring to his body--he may need to stay away from everything orange for a while-so his body can expell all the colorant.  Other than that, maybe take him in and see if there is a blood test to determine if this is it.  I know I hate to take my kids to the doctor for something that doesn't seem very serious  ( hate to spend the money sometimes for them to tellyou nothing is wrong).  I would say after monitoring his diet for a week and nothing changes take him in.