Carotenemia in infants is a condition that can be characterized by a baby's skin color that looks yellowish, or even orange. Appearances like this can certainly make Mother worried. So that you don't panic, come on, get to know this condition more deeply!
Carotenemia in infants generally occurs due to excessive beta-carotene in the blood. This carotene will then be stored in fat under the skin. The more the number, the more visible the yellow color on the skin. However, calm down first, Bun. This condition occurs quite often and does not harm the Little One, really.
Causes and Symptoms of Carotenemia in Babies
Carotenemia is usually only experienced when the baby has started consuming complementary foods for breast milk (MPASI). This condition can arise because babies eat too many foods that are high in carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin, corn, sweet potatoes, egg yolks, spinach, and beans.
Even so, babies can also experience carotenemia even though they are still breastfeeding. This can happen if the mother eats too many foods that are high in carotene for a long time.
In a few cases, carotenemia in infants can also occur even without excessive carotene intake. This may be caused by a genetic disorder that disrupts the metabolism of carotenoid compounds in the baby's body.
Because excess carotenoids are secreted through the sweat glands, yellow skin changes are usually most noticeable on areas of the body that sweat frequently, such as the tip of the nose, the palms of the hands or feet, and the tops of the lips. After that, the discoloration of the skin will gradually spread throughout the body.
Carotenemia is more easily seen in fair-skinned infants. While in babies whose skin is dark, discoloration can be more visible on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
It is important to note that discoloration due to carotenemia occurs only on the skin and sometimes on the roof of the mouth. Carotenemia does not cause the whites of the eyes to turn yellow. If the whites of your baby's eyes are also yellow, it means he has jaundice and needs to be checked by a doctor immediately.
Treatment of Carotenemia in Infants
You don't have to worry too much if your little one has carotenemia. Carotenemia in infants is generally temporary and does not require special medical treatment or medication.
In fact, Mother also doesn't really need to limit the provision of high-carotene foods to the Little One. The yellow color on your little one's skin will usually go away on its own with time and the more variety of foods he consumes.
However, if you are worried, you can consider avoiding first feeding high-carotene foods. In this way, the level of carotene in the blood will drop quickly and your little one's skin color can return to normal within a few weeks.
If your little one's skin looks yellower than usual or if the symptoms of carotenemia are accompanied by fever or weakness, you need to see a pediatrician for any treatment that may be needed.
Mothers can also consult with a pediatrician to find out which foods are high in carotene and need to be avoided by your little one. Not only vegetables and fruits are orange, green vegetables such as beans and spinach are also high in carotene, you know, Bun!
