Why Are The Bottom of My Feet Yellow?
How often do you get a foot massage? What about a pedicure? Not often, correct?
Sadly, feet are often ignored, and it’s only when our feet start to look funny that we pay attention. One common problem is the yellowing of the skin on the soles.
Usually, it’s the constant pressure from walking and standing that cause such discoloration. But in some cases, it may be indicative of an underlying condition.
Since precaution is better than cure, you must know what causes yellowing in feet and how to treat it.
If you have a nagging thought of “why are the bottom of my feet yellow?” go through this post. Your skin discoloration may be normal or indicate an infection or disease.
Calluses and corns
The most common cause of yellow feet is calluses and corns. These are the hardened layers of skin that appear as flaky and waxy patches in certain areas. The three most common spots are the heels, sides of the feet, and balls of the feet. Calluses are caused by excessive friction and pressure on the skin due to improper footwear, walking barefoot, or standing on hard surfaces. The yellow hues come from the accumulation of dead skin cells in these areas.
Although corns and calluses may cause pain, they can be easily treated with moisturizing creams or ointments. You can also invest in proper footwear and use foot cushions to reduce the friction on your feet. Filing down calluses with a pumice stone is also an effective method of getting rid of them.
Jaundice
At times, yellow feet may be a sign of jaundice. It’s a condition where the eyes and skin turn yellow because of an accumulation of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a waste product of the liver that accumulates due to liver diseases. Jaundice is most commonly seen in infants but can also occur in adults. Some common health issues that jaundice points to are hepatitis, gallstones, and hemolysis.
A blood test is the best diagnosis if jaundice is present in your system. People with jaundice may also experience fatigue, itchiness, dark urine, and yellowish eye discoloration. If left untreated, jaundice can lead to severe complications.
So, if you notice yellow discoloration in your feet, check your eyes and other body parts for a yellow hue too. Like this, you can quickly rule out jaundice as the cause.
Anemia
Anemia can potentially answer your “why are the bottom of my feet yellow.” Anemia is when your body has fewer red blood cells than usual. It results in a lack of oxygen in the body, which causes discoloration on the feet and other parts of the body. A lack of iron and specific vitamins in the diet primarily causes anemia.
The good news is that anemia can be treated with dietary supplements and lifestyle modifications. For example, eating foods rich in iron and vitamin C can help increase the number of red blood cells in the body. You should also make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
To determine whether anemia is the cause of yellow feet, you must also look for the following symptoms:
- Hair loss
- Brittle nails
- A rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Carotenemia
Carotenemia is a condition where there’s an accumulation of certain pigments in the body. These pigments come from carotene-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins. People who consume excessive amounts of these foods may develop yellow discoloration in the palms and soles.
Carotenemia is a harmless condition and can be easily treated by reducing your intake of carotene-rich foods. However, if your feet remain yellow after dietary changes, you should visit a doctor for further diagnosis. It is because certain conditions hinder the body’s ability to absorb carotene.
These may include:
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Hyperthyroidism
- High cholesterol
Raynaud’s Disease
Is it only your toes that have a yellowish discoloration? If yes, then you may be suffering from Raynaud’s Disease. It is an autoimmune disorder where the small blood vessels in the feet and hands narrow down, causing discoloration. Other symptoms of Raynaud’s include coldness in the extremities, numbness, and tingling.
This condition can be effectively treated with medications and lifestyle modifications like wearing the right clothes for cold weather. However, if left untreated, Raynaud’s can also lead to complications like ulcerations and gangrene. So, getting the condition diagnosed and treated as soon as it is noticed is crucial. In addition, some severe cases require nerve surgery to restore blood flow in the extremities.
People Also Ask
Since our health issues are unique, it’s perfectly normal to have questions. Here are some of the most common ones:
Which doctor should I see and when?
If you notice yellow discoloration in your feet, it is best to visit your doctor immediately. A general practitioner or a specialist like an endocrinologist, nephrologist, or dermatologist can help diagnose the condition.
What Tests Will I need?
The tests you may need depend on what the doctor suspects as being the cause. For example, your doctor may do a physical exam, order blood tests and imaging scans, or take tissue samples to diagnose the condition.
Are there any home remedies for why are the bottom of my feet yellow?
Home remedies like avoiding carotene-rich foods and staying hydrated can help reduce the yellow discoloration in your feet. You must also make sure to wear the right kind of shoes in cold weather if you suffer from Raynaud’s.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found your answer to why are the bottom of my feet yellow. The causes can range from constant walking and wearing the wrong type of shoes to underlying health conditions like anemia and Raynaud’s disease. Only a proper medical diagnosis can help you figure it out.
Home remedies and lifestyle modifications can also help reduce discoloration in many cases. So, make sure to take care of your feet. Oil them and give them the much-needed pampering.
Happy feet! 🙂