Endocrinology >>>> Hemochromatosis - bronze skin

Hemochromatosis - bronze skin.

Hemochromatosis is a pathology caused by impaired binding of ions of the trace element iron, which are not absorbed by the body, but form deposits in the skin and internal organs. The skin takes on a bronze tint, the eyeballs begin to turn yellow. In the internal organs, severe pathologies develop: diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis.

Hemochromatosis can be congenital or acquired. Congenital hemochromatosis is characterized by a violation of the enzymatic activity of the digestive tract, as a result of which iron is not absorbed and does not participate in metabolic processes. Acquired hemochromatosis develops as a result of excess intake of iron-containing substances in the body. This condition can occur with frequent blood transfusions (blood transfusions), with the use of drugs with a high iron content uncontrollably, acquired disorders of iron fermentation, as a complication of a number of diseases of internal organs.

Hereditary hemochromatosis develops from birth, acquired hemochromatosis most often reveals itself by the age of 40-50.

The main signs of hemochromatosis (congenital and acquired):

general weakness, increased fatigue,
specific (bronze) color of the skin and mucous membranes,
pain in the liver area (enlargement of the liver in size),
hair loss begins, deformation of nails,
arthropathies of the joints begin to develop,
pain in the pancreas and an increase in its size.

All symptoms of hemochromatosis increase gradually.

Diagnosis of hemochromatosis requires treatment with doctors of various profiles: endocrinologist, dermatologist, gastroenterologist, cardiologist, rheumatologist and other professionals. To establish the correct diagnosis, an examination of almost all internal organs is required.

For the treatment of hemochromatosis, methods are used that reduce and promote the removal of excess iron from the body. For these purposes, the patient is offered a diet with the exclusion of foods high in iron from the diet (meat, wines, red juices, liver, apples, pomegranate, sorrel, spinach, red fruits and vegetables).

It is forbidden to use medicines, vitamin supplements and dietary supplements containing the trace element iron. Of the procedures, hemosorption is possible.