Hemosiderinstaining refers to discoloration of the skin due to the buildup of hemosiderin beneath the skin.
Hemosiderin is a protein compound that helps the body store iron.
A rusty brown-yellow color (resulting from the presence of iron) becomes evident beneath the skin.
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This causes a bruise-like “stain” on the skin.
Hemosiderin staining is most common in the lower legs, but it can develop anywhere.
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Symptoms
The primary sign of hemosiderin staining is the change in skin pigmentation.
However, the discoloration can develop anywhere, including the face.
The staining itself often comes without pain.
Causes
Hemosiderin is often associated withblood vessel conditionsthat lead to an excessive breakdown of iron-containing cells.
The most notable condition that causes hemosiderin staining ischronic venous insufficiency(CVI).
CVI develops when blood flow is compromised due to ineffective blood valves in the legs.
This leads to excessive blood cell breakdown and iron accumulation.The hemoglobin in the blood breaks down to form hemosiderin.
This results in discolored patches of skin above your ankle.
Additional causes include:
Can Iron Supplements Cause Hemosiderin?
There is no evidence to support hemosiderin discoloration resulting from iron supplements, such as powder or capsules.
Treatment
Treatments for hemosiderin discoloration may first focus on the condition causing it.
Since CVI can be severe, medical providers will likely address it before the stained patches.
That said, there is treatment available for hemosiderin staining.
The light energy breaks down the pigmentation so thelymphatic systemcan filter it out of the body.
Hemosiderin staining resulting from an injury will usually go away on its own as the tissue heals.
Diagnosis
Medical providers will examine the area and take a medical history to diagnose hemosiderin straining.
Symptom collection is also vital to determine a possible cause of the staining.
Since CVI is often associated with hyperpigmentation, tests to diagnose that condition will likely be done.
The test most used for CVI is known as a Duplex ultrasound.
It measures the blood flow in the legs and can aid in diagnosing a cause of hemosiderin staining.
In that case, tests will be specific to the health condition instead of hemosiderin staining.
Summary
Hemosiderin staining can develop in brown or golden-brown-yellow patches on the skin.
It is typically due to disorders that affect blood flow, such as CVI.
In some cases, it may develop in other areas of the body.
If you notice hemosiderin staining, you should contact your medical provider.
They will investigate the cause and enact proper treatment.
2022 May;14(3):22-26. doi:10.33181/13072
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Chronic venous insufficiency.
Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions.Treatment for Hemosiderin Staining.
UCLA Health.Hemosiderin staining product of trauma or venous insufficiency.
National Organization for Rare Diseases.Superficial siderosis.
