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What Causes High Iron Levels?
Question: I have had for about 10 months now dirty looking ankles. It has spread from the inside of my ankle to the top of my feet and up my leg about 8 inches. It doesn't hurt but my feet feel a bit warm on the bottoms. I recently (June 5) had a fasting diabetes 2 test. I was 125. I changed my diet and 6 weeks later dropped to 120. My iron level was at 272 and the dr was a bit concerned. I started riding a motorcycle with shorts on about 10 months ago (maybe heat) in the past I've had the same color on my wrist after wearing a silver watch. Weeks after taking it off it went away. I've heard about hemochromotosis, but I'm not sure if thats the cause. Maybe its something else? Not sure...getting worried
Brief Answer:
Other causes listed sir
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I would like to start by asking what you meant by dirty looking ankles? Could you describe the colour and other details of your ankles and if possible even your wrist (when you wore a silver watch in the past), so I could better understand the changes your skin in those regions.
The high levels of iron will indeed have to be investigated sir, and for your reference I shall list out all the causes I know that should be suspected/ruled out when we see a high level of serum iron like yours, they are:
-Iron poisoning
-Hemolytic anemia
-Hemolysis
-Liver abnormalities (like tissue death, inflammation, etc.)
-Several blood transfusions
-Vitamin deficiencies (B12, B6)
-Hemochromatosis (as mentioned by you)
All of the above listed conditions can cause a change in skin colour and have to be addressed as soon as they are suspected/diagnosed. I hope you find my response helpful sir. Please discuss the above mentioned possibilities with your doctor to rule them out in order to find the cause and treat it accordingly.
Best wishes sir.
Other causes listed sir
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I would like to start by asking what you meant by dirty looking ankles? Could you describe the colour and other details of your ankles and if possible even your wrist (when you wore a silver watch in the past), so I could better understand the changes your skin in those regions.
The high levels of iron will indeed have to be investigated sir, and for your reference I shall list out all the causes I know that should be suspected/ruled out when we see a high level of serum iron like yours, they are:
-Iron poisoning
-Hemolytic anemia
-Hemolysis
-Liver abnormalities (like tissue death, inflammation, etc.)
-Several blood transfusions
-Vitamin deficiencies (B12, B6)
-Hemochromatosis (as mentioned by you)
All of the above listed conditions can cause a change in skin colour and have to be addressed as soon as they are suspected/diagnosed. I hope you find my response helpful sir. Please discuss the above mentioned possibilities with your doctor to rule them out in order to find the cause and treat it accordingly.
Best wishes sir.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks....By dirty i mean it looks like dirt on my skin but it will not wash off. Started on inside of ankles. Recently advanced to the tops of my feet and the other side of my ankles at least 8 inches up from my heels. I stopped taking vitamins about 10 months ago when this started. I'm not sure how much B vitamins I get in my diet. I eat very little sugar or carbs at all. Mostly meats, nuts fruits veggies.
Brief Answer:
Need to rule out mentioned conditions sir
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.
Thank you so much for that information sir, it really helps.
I would recommend a visit to your doctor to rule out the above listed conditions as they are the most likely sir. Along with the investigations your doctor might suggest, please also add allergic investigations to check for any allergies to metals. I am somehow worried about this being related to either metal poisoning or contact allergy to metals.
Please do schedule an appointment with a doctor at the earliest sir. And do not hesitate to write to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Need to rule out mentioned conditions sir
Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.
Thank you so much for that information sir, it really helps.
I would recommend a visit to your doctor to rule out the above listed conditions as they are the most likely sir. Along with the investigations your doctor might suggest, please also add allergic investigations to check for any allergies to metals. I am somehow worried about this being related to either metal poisoning or contact allergy to metals.
Please do schedule an appointment with a doctor at the earliest sir. And do not hesitate to write to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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