Bronze Skin Is Not Always A Sign Of Health
When we think of bronze skin we often think of the guy on the surfboard, the epitome of free living and good health. A bronze or bronzed skin that became that way through exposure to the sun in reality is not be all that healthy, but it's hard sometimes to think otherwise. There are other causes of bronze skin however that are not due to sunlight, and anyone who has not been in the sun for extended periods of time, and is experiencing this tone in their skin, should pay particular attention, as it can be a sign that all is not well with the body.
A Symptom Of Many Disorders - Those suffering from cirrhosis or chronic renal failure will sometimes have bronze skin as one of the symptoms. Malnutrition can also be a factor, and there are several other disorders and diseases, some of which are quite serious which can lead to this abnormal discoloring of the skin. Not so serious is jaundice, which can impart a bronze tone, and the coloring at times is the result of a reaction to a specific drug or medication, and not a symptom of some underlying disease. When bronze skin is a symptom of a disease, disorder, or drug reaction, it isn't necessary the entire skin surface that turns bronze. The coloring is often only noticeable at pressure points, such as knees and elbows.
Hemochromatosis - There are two types of diseases which cause the skin to become bronze which definitely require treatment once diagnosed. One is hemochromatosis, of which there are several types, including a hereditary type. This is the most common cause of bronze skin and is the result of an excess of iron accumulating in the body. Our bodies do not always discard excessive iron, as is the case with some other elements, but tends to store any iron taken in that is above and beyond out daily needs. Over a period of time, the excess can become harmful to many of our body's organs, which have been storing the excess iron. The skin is of course an organ, the body's largest, and also will store excess iron, which can cause the bronze tone.
An Underlying Cause Of Other Diseases - Bronze skin is a symptom which tells us that there is a distinct possibility that other organs have an excess of iron, and may be damaged or in the process of becoming damaged. Damage is often first noticed in the joints, which may become arthritic. Liver disease and heart disease may also result from excessive iron, and if the pancreas is affected, diabetes may result. An unfortunate circumstance often arises because hemochromatosis can be difficult to detect early, and once detected, significant damage may already have occurred. Hemochromatosis is very treatable, but if not properly diagnosed, its role as the underlying cause of a heart disease, or liver disease condition for example, may go unnoticed.
Addison's Disease - Another very serious disease for which bronze skin is a symptom is Addison's disease. In this case it is not an excess of iron that is behind the change in skin tone, but rather an endocrine disorder causing in a deficiency in steroid hormone production by the adrenal glands. Addison's disease is treatable, and the prognosis for those suffering from this disease can be excellent. However, if left untreated, the disease can prove fatal. Bronze skin is one of the symptoms, but may or may not be one of the more noticeable symptoms.
The bottom line is, if your skin is taking on a bronze tone, especially near the knees or elbows, and you are certain that sunshine isn't the cause, it will be in your best interests to have the condition looked into. Since there are 10 or so causes of bronze skin, some of them rather serious, a thorough diagnosis should be performed, especially if a case of Addison's disease or hemochromatosis is suspected.