In the UK, considering the appalling weather that we often experience, a big reason for going on holiday is often to get that elusive tan.  We come home from our beach holiday, relaxed and refreshed, proud to show off our tan and hear the cries of ‘You look well’ from others left languishing in the office!

We all may try to get a tan on holiday, but what if you have this tan all year round

 But if you go brown, even when you have not even been in the sun, you could not be well at all. Genetic haemochromatosis  - also known as primary iron overload – is a condition that causes the body to retain too much iron from the diet.

Iron is a mineral vital to the human body, regulating cell growth and ensuring oxygen flows to the cells, keeping immunity and energy levels high. But like so many things in the body, there is a balance, and too much iron can be toxic. A build up of iron in the brain’s pituitary gland can trigger a classic symptom that gives rise to the conditions other name – bronze diabetes. This is because it can appear as though you have a permanent tan. The reason is that iron overload in the pituitary gland stimulates  an over production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its colour.

Undiagnosed iron overload can cause a wide range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disorders, chest and joint pain, liver cirrhosis, pancreatic problems and cancer. A build up of iron in the bones can lead to crystallisation.

It is a common genetic condition. Two genes have been identified that cause it and about 1 in 5000 people in the UK are affected. It is prevalent in all Caucasian populations, but may be slightly higher in those of Irish descent.

The good news is that this disorder is a treatable condition. However, the problem is that because you may look well, the condition can be undiagnosed for years. If you have any of the symptoms, or are getting browner even when you haven’t been on holiday, then just ask your doctor for a simple blood test which can check your iron levels.

 The treatment is very simple – giving blood, as two thirds of the body’s iron lie in the blood. Patients generally give a pint a week until their levels return to normal, and then once every 3 to 6 months. The blood is safe to be used by blood banks,  since people without the faulty gene can rid themselves of the excess iron.

I had heard of this disease before, but didn’t realise that a symptom is a permanent tan. I will think twice before being jealous of people with a year long tan…