Have you noticed the strange feet? Are the soles of your feet a different color? Do you see them in yellow? What is this about? Is it something serious? With many doubts, it is essential to know that the feet often reflect what happens internally in our body, hence the importance of determining any change in their structure or coloration.
The change in color on the soles of the feet can be noticed with the naked eye; this yellowish tone can remain for a few days and may be related to excess beta-carotene in the diet, being exposed to some chemicals that have directly touched the plant of the feet or reflect some internal condition of the organism. Knowing the cause will require the specialist’s assessment; however, we will inform you in this article and answer the following question: Why do I have the yellow sole?
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The yellow sole: common causes
The leading causes that explain why you have the yellow sole can be the following. However, this does not mean that they can be the only ones:
- Hypercarotinemia: generally, this is the first cause that the doctor rules out after consulting a person who has noticed the presence of a yellowish tone on the soles of the feet. This is a harmless cause due to a pigment found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, carrots, and squash; However, it does not reflect a disease; hypercarotinemia tends to be unsightly and uncomfortable the person due to the color change. It is caused by pigment accumulating in connective tissues. In the following article, we explain which foods are rich in beta-carotene.
- On the other hand, another cause related to the yellow color on the sole is medically known as jaundice; this occurs when there is high bilirubin in the bloodstream. This is a substance found in bile; in fact, it is the liquid in charge of helping to digest fats, and incorrect liver functioning causes yellowing of the skin, eyes, palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet.
- Anemia: Finally, another common cause for specialists when observing the yellow tone on the soles of the feet is anemia, a condition that is also generally accompanied by fatigue. What happens, in this case, is a lack of red blood cells, and is commonly known as a lack of iron in the blood.
Yellow sole: other causes
Beyond the more common causes we just explained, there are other possible causes of yellow soles :
- Poisoning: the handling of a chemical compound known as trinitrotoluene (TNT) can be related to changes in the coloration in the soles of the feet due to a reaction between melanin (natural pigment of the skin) and the chemical composition of trinitrotoluene. This chemical compound is of military and industrial use, making this cause less likely to observe.
- Diabetes mellitus: an endocrine-metabolic disease that causes a lack of control in the levels of sugar or glucose in the blood. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we give you all the information about type 2 diabetes.
- Hyperlipoproteinemia: this condition defines the inability of our body to break down fats and cholesterol, which causes an accumulation of these in tissues and bloodstream, causing, among other symptoms, a change in skin color.
What should I do if the soles of my feet are yellow?
Unquestionably, the first thing to do is go to the doctor, who can determine why this color change is occurring. The treatment is oriented according to the cause to be treated:
- Jaundice: depending on the cause related to jaundice, the specialist will indicate the treatment that reduces the values of bilirubin in the blood, also treating any underlying hepato-biliary disease with an appropriate diet that includes drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol consumption.
- Hypercarotinemia: it will undoubtedly require a balanced diet, especially fruits and vegetables that contain this pigment.
- Anemia: to improve the levels of red blood cells, the doctor will indicate vitamin B12 complexes together with iron and folic acid.
In the case of yellow plants for other causes, it will require special attention:
- In the case of TNT or trinitrotoluene poisoning, exclusively hospital medications will be required; however, it is favorable to remove all clothing, wash well with soap and water and immediately seek medical attention.
- If the yellowing is related to an underlying cause, it will be necessary to comply with the treatment to improve said cause and therefore improve said skin color.
Other remedies for the yellow soles of the feet
In addition to the treatment indicated by the doctor, you can use some home remedies such as:
- Potato: a paste or puree made with potatoes and applied to the feet will improve the coloration of the feet; it is done by boiling the potatoes, mashing them, and rubbing the feet until the pasta has cooled.
- Fruits: the consumption of fruits will considerably improve the liver’s health; it is recommended to use cranberry juice for this.
- Fiber: the consumption of foods rich in fiber will improve and regulate digestion and metabolism
- Rest: it is crucial to rest enough hours in the day, at least 8 hours of sleep.
Regardless of the cause, do not hesitate to go to the doctor in the presence of a different color on the soles of the feet; the risk of presenting significant problems in the event of another related disease will be reduced.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I have the yellow sole, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.