What Causes Yellowing of the Soles of the Feet?

Hello, yellowing of the skin on the soles of the feet can result from either physiological or pathological causes. Physiological causes are commonly due to walking, standing, engaging in prolonged physical labor, or regular athletic exercise—these activities lead to thickening (hyperkeratosis) of the plantar skin, resulting in a yellowish appearance. Another physiological cause is carotenemia, which typically occurs after consuming large quantities of carrots, oranges, tangerines, or other foods rich in beta-carotene. This leads to markedly elevated blood carotene levels and subsequent yellow discoloration of the palms and soles. Pathological causes of sole yellowing are often associated with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or obstructive hepatobiliary diseases (e.g., bile duct obstruction). In such cases, patients frequently exhibit not only yellowing of the soles but also jaundice—yellowing of the sclera (whites of the eyes) and skin elsewhere on the body. This warrants prompt medical evaluation at a hospital. We hope this information is helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!