Myths vs facts: Eisen-Ferritin Selbsttest and Haut

The myth: An iron-ferritin self-test can reliably tell you about your iron status and its effects on skin. The fact: Ferritin is a storage protein; low levels may indicate iron deficiency, which can cause pale skin, brittle nails, or hair loss. However, high ferritin can also result from inflammation, infection, or liver disease—not necessarily iron overload (hemochromatosis). A self-test measures only ferritin, not transferrin, saturation, or inflammatory markers like CRP. Evidence for a single ferritin value without clinical context is moderate. Self-tests are also prone to errors (e.g., improper blood collection). For skin health, ferritin is just one piece; diet, hormones, and skincare matter more. Bottom line: A ferritin self-test can offer a clue but does not replace medical evaluation. Avoid overinterpretation.