Yellowish discoloration affecting the oral mucous membranes, skin, and sclera is clinically termed______________?
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Answer: D. Carotinemia
Explanation
Carotinemia results from consuming excessive amounts of dietary beta-carotene found in vegetables like carrots. The excess pigment deposits preferentially within the stratum corneum of the skin causing yellowing. Unlike jaundice caused by bilirubin elevation carotinemia distinctly spares the sclera of the eyes. Beta-carotene is a lipid-soluble plant pigment that serves as a precursor molecule for vitamin A. The sclera contains high concentrations of elastic fibers that bind bilirubin but do not accumulate carotene. Dietary modification and reducing intake of carotene-rich foods resolves the discoloration over several weeks.
This benign condition is frequently observed in infants fed excessive quantities of puréed baby foods. Clinicians must distinguish carotinemia from pathological jaundice to prevent unnecessary diagnostic testing in patients. Recognizing the spared sclera provides a crucial physical examination clue during medical evaluations. Pernicious anemia is a megaloblastic condition caused by vitamin B12 deficiency resulting in pallor. Sickle cell anemia produces hemolytic manifestations and vaso-occlusive crises rather than isolated skin yellowing. Chloromycin therapy refers to antibiotic administration which is entirely unrelated to systemic carotene accumulation.
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