Hemosiderin stain - is there any treatment for this problem? (Photo)

Hemosiderin stain treatment There is a difference between bruises (ecchymosis) and hemosiderin stain. Bruising is the blue/purple/brown discoloration that resolves in days to weeks. Hemosiderin stain is a dark discoloration of skin, and can take months or years to resolve. Sometimes it can be permanent. Hemosiderin is a compound that helps with storing iron in the human body. After a bruise, the breakdown of red blood cells releases hemoglobin which is then broken down and release of iron. The iron becomes trapped under the skin in the form of hemosiderin. Treatment - Hemosiderin has an absorption peak in the 660- to 680-nm range. Q-switched 650-nm wavelength laser (Revlite) or the Q-switched 694-nm ruby laser are most effect. Also the Q-switched NdYag laser has been effective in some cases.Keep in mind, sometimes hemosiderin can take up to a year to resolve. I recommend following up with your surgeon or a board certified physician for an in person visit. Wishing you the best of luck!

Have a consultation with the surgeon who performed this procedure and discuss a vascular laser for bruising. I hope this helps and best of luck!