Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Amyloidosis on the face

Amyloidosis on the face

Amyloidosis refers to deposits of a protein (called amyloid) in the tissues. This condition can affect multiple organs. The deposition of amyloid may be a by-product of normal aging. In this picture, we see how amyloidosis can cause a patchy, bruised appearance to the skin. Bruises of the skin around the eyes are referred to as the characteristic "pinched purpura".

Update Date: 4/1/2007

Updated by: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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