Unveiling the Silent Signs of Hemochromatosis

7. Skin Pigmentation Changes (Hyperpigmentation)

Hyperpigmentation is a common symptom in about 90% of people with hemochromatosis. The symptom causes patches of skin to become darker in color than the surrounding skin, becoming brownish-bronze or gray. These patches may appear on scars, behind the ears, under the arms, under a protruding abdomen, in the groin, between the buttocks, in the webs between the fingers, between the toes, or on the areolas or genitals. Around 15% develop discoloration on the soft tissues that line the mouth, including the gums.