Orange discoloration of the palms

Lycopenemia is a benign clinical entity characterized by yellowish orange pigmentation of the skin. It is caused by the deposition of lycopene. The deposits occur mainly in the stratum corneum, which has a high lipid content and hence an affinity for lycopene.1 Lycopene is an antioxidant and a structural isomer of β-carotene. It is found chiefly in tomatoes but is also found in other reddish foods such as rosehips, beets and chili beans.2 Related benign conditions include hypercarotenemia and riboflavinemia. In most cases, lycopenemia can be diagnosed on the basis of dietary history. Simple changes in diet bring complete resolution of the symptoms.