
A yellowish skin as a whole or in specific areas of the body can be a warning that something is not quite right in our body, so it is a sign that we must pay attention to. However, this does not mean that if you have yellow soles of your feet you have to set off all the alarms, since there are several possible causes of this anomaly and many do not imply a risk to health.
A skin condition, foot fungus, or the presence of calluses, for example, are common causes that can be easily treated. Even so, it is always important to find out the causes of yellow feet with a necessary medical consultation. ANDwhy do I have yellow feet? In this oneHOWTO article, we point out the most common causes and give you some home remedies for yellow feet.
Jaundice
One of the possible causes of yellow feet is jaundice. We speak of jaundice when the skin, including that of the soles of the feet, and the mucous membranes have a yellow hue caused by excessive presence of bilirubin in the body.
Bilirubin is a substance that is part of blood hemoglobin and is released in the natural process of renewal of our red blood cells. When it is not removed correctly, its levels can increase excessively, causing, among other dysfunctions, an abnormal color in the skin.
Jaundice can be behind yellow feet in very young children (newborns) and is usually a spontaneously disappearing phenomenon. In the case of adults, some liver-related pathology it may be the cause.
Anemia
If symptoms such as fatigue, weakness or extreme tiredness are attached to the yellow skin or soles of the feet for no reason, anemia could be behind this situation. Although there are different types of anemia, it is generally due to lack of basic nutrients such as iron and / or vitamin D. The lack of these nutrients can cause the number of red blood cells in the blood to decrease compared to normal values.
A pale or yellowish complexion is, in this case, a clear warning sign. If you want to know more symptoms of this pathology, take a look at this other article: How to know if I have anemia.
Liver or kidney disease
Some pathologies related to the malfunction of the liver or kidneys can also explain why you have yellow feet. Hepatitis, cirrhosis, or kidney failure, as well as the obstruction of the bile ducts, may be behind this symptom. They are quite serious conditions that require immediate medical attention, so if you think you may suffer from them, we recommend that you consult a doctor.
Fungal infection
The presence of fungus in the feet is one of the most frequent causes of the yellow tone in the skin of the feet, especially if you also have the yellow toenails. It is a fungus of the dermatophyte family that begins infected with the skin under the nails and can also spread towards the soles of the feet.
Among other effects, the fungal infection affects the keratin of the skin, causing that yellowish or brown color in the dermis of the area.
If you think you might have fungus, take a look at this other article on How to tell if I have foot fungus.

Carotenemia
Carotenemia is not a disease, but a change in the natural color of the skin whose origin lies in a excess beta carotene due to improper diet. Carrots, pumpkin, peppers …, among other red or orange fruits and vegetables, are a natural source of beta-carotene. These antioxidants are very healthy, but, in excess, they can alter the natural pigmentation of the skin, including that of the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
In most cases, when this happens it is because there is a hypothyroid problem that hinders the transformation of beta-carotenes into vitamin A. As a consequence, they accumulate in the body, causing yellowish skin.
Hyperlipoproteinemia
This pathology, generally linked to high levels of cholesterol in the blood, is another of the probable causes of alterations in the color of the skin. It is the difficulty that the organism presents to decompose and assimilate fats correctly. Thus, the accumulation of fats without breaking down causes a change in color in certain parts of the body, such as the soles of the feet.
Raynaud’s disease
When you have yellow and cold feet, especially if the sensation of cold and numbness is centered in the area of the toes, there is the possibility of suffering from the so-called Raynaud’s phenomenon. It is a abnormal reaction to low temperatures or stress, causing the blood vessels of the peripheral system to contract excessively. As a result, the skin of the fingers turns whitish or yellowish, although it can also acquire reddish or blue tones.
If you think that the cause of the change in the color of your feet may be due to stress, do not miss this other article on How to combat stress.
Other causes of yellow feet
In addition to the above causes, there are other answers to why you have yellow feet. These are some of them.
- Diabetes.
- Hereditary diseases.
- Toxic substances such as trinitrotoluene (TNT).
- Metabolic disturbances
- Hypothyroidism
Tips for treating yellow feet
Depending on the origin of the color alteration in the feet, it is best to You go to the doctor to determine the treatment to follow. A simple blood test can give the professional the information they need to establish whether the cause of yellow feet is due to disease. They may also recommend dietary changes or prescribe a fungicidal ointment in case of foot fungus.
In addition to medical treatment, we can give you some advice on how to remove yellow from the soles of your feet. Is about Natural medicine innocuous that focus on eliminating much of that yellowish skin, also applying some natural ‘bleaches’. Here are some of them:
- Pedicure: soak your feet for a few minutes. Add a tablespoon of baking soda or half a glass of hydrogen peroxide to the warm water. Both products combine two requirements to be an excellent remedy for yellow feet: they are powerful bleaches and also have disinfectant properties.
- Mashed potatoes: with dry feet, try mashing previously boiled mashed potatoes. When they are cold, make a mush and apply it on the soles of your feet as if it were a cream. Let the remedy act for a few minutes and remove with water.
- Lemon: rub the soles of your feet twice a week with half a lemon to progressively lighten them.
If this article on why my feet are yellow has been useful to you, don’t miss this other one on Why do I feel my feet burn.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.