Hemosiderin hyperpigmentation
Hemosiderin Hyperpigmentation
Hemosiderin hyperpigmentation (pronunciation: he-mo-si-der-in hy-per-pig-men-ta-tion) is a medical condition characterized by the deposition of hemosiderin, a form of iron storage complex, in the skin leading to a darkened or discolored appearance.
Etymology
The term "hemosiderin" is derived from the Greek words "haima" meaning "blood" and "sideros" meaning "iron". "Hyperpigmentation" is derived from the Greek prefix "hyper-" meaning "over" or "excessive", and "pigmentation", which refers to the coloring of the skin.
Definition
Hemosiderin hyperpigmentation is a type of cutaneous condition that occurs when there is an excessive deposition of hemosiderin in the skin. This can occur due to various reasons such as venous insufficiency, hemochromatosis, or following inflammation or injury. The excessive hemosiderin deposits lead to a darkened or discolored appearance of the skin, often brown or rust-colored.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of hemosiderin hyperpigmentation is the appearance of dark, often brown or rust-colored, patches on the skin. These patches may appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen on the legs. Other symptoms may include skin thickening or hardening, and in some cases, the affected skin may be itchy or painful.
Causes
Hemosiderin hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of conditions that lead to the excessive deposition of hemosiderin in the skin. These include:
- Venous insufficiency: This condition, which affects the flow of blood through the veins, can lead to the leakage of red blood cells into the surrounding tissue. The iron from these cells can then be stored as hemosiderin, leading to hyperpigmentation.
- Hemochromatosis: This is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive absorption of dietary iron, which can lead to the accumulation of hemosiderin in various organs, including the skin.
- Inflammation or injury: Any condition that causes inflammation or injury to the skin can potentially lead to hemosiderin hyperpigmentation. This is because the breakdown of red blood cells at the site of injury or inflammation can lead to the release of iron, which is then stored as hemosiderin.
Treatment
Treatment for hemosiderin hyperpigmentation primarily involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve treating the venous insufficiency or hemochromatosis, or managing the inflammation or injury. In some cases, topical treatments or laser therapy may be used to lighten the hyperpigmentation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hemosiderin hyperpigmentation
- Wikipedia's article - Hemosiderin hyperpigmentation
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