Hemosiderosis of the skin warns of problems with hemoglobin

Pigmented spots on the skin with an unusual rusty-brown color mean hemosiderosis of the skin – a disease associated with a violation of the production of hemoglobin and the exchange of its pigments. Normally, hemoglobin is cleaved by enzymes into several derivatives – such as bilirubin, ferritin and hemosiderin. These derivatives are involved in the transport of oxygen and iron throughout the body, so hemosiderin is present in small amounts in many organs and tissues – for example, in the spleen, liver, bone marrow. In some pathological conditions, the body begins to produce too much hemosiderin, and it accumulates in the tissues, hemosiderosis develops, which manifests itself on the skin with characteristic pigment spots.

 The causes of excessive production and accumulation of hemosiderin in the body can be some diseases (leukemia, malaria, liver cirrhosis, brucellosis), Rhesus conflict, chemical poisoning of the body with certain substances (lead, quinine, sulfonamides). Hemosiderosis can occur as a result of extravascular destruction of erythrocytes (local) during the formation of hematomas or be a consequence of intravascular destruction of erythrocytes (generalized), when, in general diseases, hemosiderin accumulates in the cells of one of the organs and gives it a brown color.

 Forms of cutaneous hemosiderosis and their causes

Hemosiderosis of the skin can occur against the background of certain endocrine and cardiovascular diseases, or some skin diseases can lead to its development. Excess hemosiderin can be deposited and accumulated in the dermis. At the same time, age spots or a hemorrhagic rash of brown or yellowish color appear on the skin, and sometimes it can be telangiectasias, nodules, papules. Affected areas cause mild itching.  Pigmented spots are localized most often on the skin in the area of ​​​​the legs and forearms, hands and ankles.

The accumulation of hemosiderin in the dermis occurs against the background of such skin diseases as eczema, neurodermatitis, pyoderma. The following factors can provoke hemosiderosis and the appearance of age spots:

• hypothermia;
• overwork and stress;
• skin injury;
• taking medications (paracetamol, diuretics, NSAIDs, some types of antibiotics).

The patient's condition with hemosiderosis of the skin does not cause concern and is perceived by him more as a cosmetic problem, age spots can remain on the skin for a long time – from several months to several years.

 Diagnosis and treatment of hemosiderosis of the skin

When diagnosing skin hemosiderosis, it should be differentiated from atypical forms of pseudosarcoma, lichen planus, Kaposi's sarcoma.

Treatment of skin hemosiderosis usually consists of taking calcium preparations, vitamins (ascorbic acid, rutin), angioprotectors, topical application of corticoid ointments is recommended. A good effect in the treatment of age spots associated with hemosiderosis of the skin, gives cryotherapy. With severe & nbsp; skin lesions, deferoxamine, PUVA therapy is prescribed.

Pigmented spots in skin hemosiderosis are more of a cosmetic defect than a manifestation of the disease, and tend to gradually resolve on their own.

As a preventive measure to prevent the appearance of age spots, it is recommended to exclude intoxication of the body with drugs and heavy metals from chemicals, treat infectious, vascular and hematological diseases in a timely manner and prevent their chronicity.