Symptom 7. Skin Changes: Subtle Indications of Amyloidosis
Your skin tells a story, not just of where you’ve been, but also, at times, of what’s happening inside your body. Changes in your skin, while often attributed to age, the sun, or skin conditions, could also be early signs of a systemic issue like amyloidosis.
Amyloidosis, a condition characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid proteins in various organs, can also affect your skin. The protein deposits in the skin can manifest in several ways, offering subtle indications of the underlying condition. One of the characteristic skin changes associated with amyloidosis is purpura. These are patches of purplish discoloration that often appear around the eyes, called ‘raccoon eyes,’ or in other locations that experience minor trauma, such as on your arms following blood pressure measurement.
Another notable skin change is the appearance of nodules or lumps. These small, firm bumps occur due to the accumulation of amyloid proteins under the skin. They are often painless and can be mistaken for other skin conditions, which is why they’re frequently overlooked as an early sign of amyloidosis. (7)
