Symptom 8. Skin Changes: A Canvas of Clues
The skin often reflects our internal health, acting as a canvas that paints a vivid picture of our wellbeing. For those with hyperviscosity syndrome, subtle changes on this canvas offer valuable insights.
The increased thickness of blood affects its flow through tiny vessels or capillaries, especially those close to the skin’s surface. This can cause some areas of the skin to appear paler than others, hinting at reduced blood flow. These pale patches, if looked at closely, might reveal a sluggish movement of blood underneath.
Then there’s the curious case of unexpected bruises. No, they didn’t bump into furniture; these bruises can form because of minute leaks from the stressed blood vessels. The thickened blood can exert extra pressure on vessel walls, causing them to leak and resulting in unexplained bruising.
Another intriguing change is the warmth of the skin. Areas with decreased blood flow might feel cooler to the touch. This is especially evident in extremities like fingers and toes. Contrarily, certain areas might feel unusually warm due to increased blood vessel dilation as the body tries to push thickened blood through.
All these subtle changes on the skin’s surface narrate a story of the struggles happening beneath, making it vital for individuals and their loved ones to stay observant and connected to these silent messages. (8)
