Symptoms during infusion Pain, swelling, feeling of pressure, prickling on the injection site and immediately observable staining. Note: some patients report no pain or other symptoms during the infusion and the discolouration appears hours or days later Extent of skin discolouration Can be localised to around the injection site or extend along the length of the arm. May be patchy or consistent discolouration Colour changes Most common – light to dark brown Less common – black, bluish, purple, grey Symptoms in the longer term Generally, discolouration is asymptomatic, but some patients complain of aching, changed sensitivity in the affected area or tenderness on palpation Outcome In many cases, iron staining is permanent. Some patients report fading of the stain over time or successful treatment with laser therapy