Hemosiderin staining is dark purple or rusty discoloration of the lower legs caused by chronic venous disease. A 2010 study found hemosiderin staining in all subjects with lipodermatosclerosis and venous ulcers. When vein valves fail, regurgitated blood forces red blood cells (RBCs) out of capillaries.
How to reverse leg discoloration caused by a vascular disease?
- Balloon angioplasty (a small balloon is inflated inside the blocked artery to open the blocked area)
- Atherectomy (the blocked area inside the artery is "shaved" away by a tiny device on the end of a catheter)
- Laser angioplasty (a laser is used to "vaporize" the blockage in the artery)
What causes dark skin on lower legs?
Dark spots on the legs are a result of an overproduction of melanin. Common causes include sun exposure, skin injury and razor burn from shaving. Over-the-counter hydroquinone and corticosteroid creams can reduce their appearance. Professional treatments such as topical creams, laser treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion are also ...
How to get rid of dry scaly skin on legs?
Tips to Get Rid of Dry Scaly Skin on Legs Fast
- Best time to apply these home recipes is before going to bed.
- If any of the ingredients irritate your skin, stop using it and consult a physician.
- Along with topical application, internal consumption of water-rich fruits and vitamin rich food is essential.
- Use sunscreen while going out.
- Regularly moisturize your skin in cold seasons.
What causes blotchy skin on legs?
Treatments For Blotchy Skin
- Shock. If shock is the main cause of the appearance of blotchy skin on the legs, the person should seek help from the doctors immediately.
- Autoimmune diseases. There are several different types of autoimmune diseases due to which the appearance of mottled skin could be seen.
- Pancreatitis. ...
- Poor Circulation. ...
What causes discoloration on legs?
Why do my legs get discolored?
What happens to skin after a scratch?
What is the condition that causes patches of depigmented skin?
How to treat vitiligo?
What causes a buildup of skin cells on the surface of the skin?
What is the umbrella term for inflammation and irritation of the skin?
See 4 more
About this website
How do I get rid of discoloration on my lower legs?
Two common forms of treatment include radiofrequency ablation and sclerotherapy.Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure. ... Sclerotherapy is similar to radiofrequency ablation but uses a sclerosant chemical solution to reroute the blood flow instead of a catheter and radiofrequency.
What does discoloration on lower leg mean?
You may notice that the skin on your lower legs becomes discolored or appears bruised as you age. The technical term for this is hemosiderin staining. It's caused by a problem with the blood vessels in your legs called chronic venous insufficiency. You may need to make lifestyle changes to help fix the condition.
What causes brown skin discoloration on lower legs?
The reddish-brown discoloration on the lower legs is caused by chronic venous disease–the abnormal function of veins. When your veins can't pump blood back up to the heart properly, it pools in your lower legs. Symptoms start with slight skin irritations and itchiness, then manifest varicose veins.
When should I worry about skin discoloration?
Some causes, such as birthmarks, are not harmful and may not require treatment. Others, such as skin cancer and cyanosis, are likely to require immediate treatment. It is essential to see a doctor if any new discolored patches of skin appear or if existing moles change in any way.
Can lower leg discoloration be reversed?
Skin discoloration can represent a worsening of vascular disease and should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially if other symptoms such as leg pain or leg swelling are present. With appropriate therapy, skin discoloration from vascular disease can often be improved.
Can poor circulation cause leg discoloration?
What Causes Leg Discoloration? When circulation is poor, blood flow is congested and pressure builds in the veins. The pressure causes veins to leak, and blood pools. Iron from pooling red blood cells begins to stain lower leg skin, causing it to discolor and appear splotchy.
What does Hemosiderin staining look like?
Originating from the Greek, “hemo” means blood and “siderin” means iron; hemosiderin literally means blood iron and is a protein in our blood that stores iron. Staining occurs as hemosiderin accumulates in our tissues, then deposits iron, which creates a reddish-brown or bruise-like appearance.
What do liver spots look like on legs?
Oval or round shaped. Range in color from slightly darker than the natural skin tone to dark brown. Develop on areas of the skin that have received sun exposure. Typically small like freckles, but may grow to as much as ½ an inch in diameter.
What are the 3 common types of discoloration?
Skin discoloration is a broad term that encompasses numerous distinct skin conditions....Here are three common types of skin discoloration and some tips for treatment, protection and prevention.Vitiligo. ... Melasma. ... Age Spots.
What disease can cause skin discoloration?
Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses its pigment cells (melanocytes). This can result in discolored patches in different areas of the body, including the skin, hair and mucous membranes.
What causes skin discoloration as you age?
Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. Ultraviolet (UV) light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations.
What are the symptoms of a blocked artery in your leg?
SymptomsColdness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side.Leg numbness or weakness.No pulse or a weak pulse in the legs or feet.Painful cramping in one or both of the hips, thighs or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.Shiny skin on the legs.More items...•
What are the symptoms of poor blood circulation in the legs?
Here are some of the main signs that you may have poor circulation in your legs because of venous insufficiency:Pain.Cramping.Swelling.Throbbing.Heaviness.Itching.Restlessness.Fatigue (tired feeling)
What do liver spots look like on legs?
Oval or round shaped. Range in color from slightly darker than the natural skin tone to dark brown. Develop on areas of the skin that have received sun exposure. Typically small like freckles, but may grow to as much as ½ an inch in diameter.
Leg Discoloration Treatment & Causes | Center for Vascular Medicine
Leg Discoloration may be a sign of a vascular disease. Learn more about the treatment and how poor blood circulation can cause the leg to discolor.
Is there anyway to get rid of the brown discoloration on my ankles and ...
Thanks for your question – which is one of the more difficult skin concerns that dermatologist see on a regular basis. The pigmentation that remains from having venous stasis is not easy to treat, and many of us would start with a mid potency steroid preparation to treat any of the underlying inflammation that may still exist.
What should I do if I have skin discoloration on my legs?
If the skin on your legs looks different, feels unusual or has you concerned, it is best to be evaluated by a vein specialist. The longer your symptoms go untreated, the more difficult they become to treat. Don’t wait any longer. Call the Vein Care Center today at 419-227-4472 to schedule your vein evaluation with Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal. Dr. Aggarwal is Ohio’s leading vein expert, and she is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Aggarwal is also certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine to provide our patients in Ohio with the most comprehensive vein care and treatment.
What causes blood to leak in the legs?
Venous insufficiency is a circulatory issue that occurs when the one-way valves in the veins weaken, leak and cannot adequately push blood back to the heart. This causes increased pressure inside the veins, which leads to further weakening of the veins throughout the legs and the collection of blood in the lower legs and feet.
What are the skin symptoms of venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency can impact the skin on the legs, ankles and feet in various ways and may cause the following symptoms:
How does venous insufficiency impact the skin?
Pooling blood and leaking fluids are ultimately the cause of skin discoloration in the legs:
What does a varicose vein look like?
Varicose Veins: These bulging, twisted ropes develop when blood collects inside veins. The veins may look like purple and enlarged worms under the skin. Varicose veins may cause further discoloration to the skin if blood seeps from the damaged vein and into surrounding tissues.
What is the condition of the lower leg?
We typically see the following skin conditions in patients with venous insufficiency: Venous Stasis Dermatitis: Also called venous eczema, this skin condition occurs most often in the lower legs. Diseased veins are unable to efficiently circulate blood, causing a build-up of blood and pressure within the veins.
What causes hemosiderin deposits?
Hemosiderin Deposits: Hemosiderin is caused when the iron in red blood cells is broken down. When blood pools in the lower extremities, iron collects in the skin. As the iron breaks down, these deposits can appear as purple or brown bruises on the lower legs, ankles and feet.
Why do people have discoloration on their legs?
People will have discoloration on their legs due to capillaries leak your blood into their skin in Schamberg’s disease. No researcher ever come across the exact causes of Schamberg’s disease, but there are some causes that one should relate to Schamberg’s disease. These are the following:
Why is my skin discolored?
Eczema could also another skin discoloration reason found in many people with skin problems. Some of the most notable eczema causes are the following: Overactive immune action (or immune system) Exposure to allergic substances. Environmental reactions. Lifestyle Changes.
How long does skin discoloration last on legs?
Anna Svets. Skin discoloration on legs can happen due to many reasons, that may stay for both the long and short term. Sometimes, skin discoloration stays for few weeks and then vanishes (as these are temporary) and came up due to minor causes. In some cases, skin discoloration would not think of leaving your legs, ...
Why do my legs turn red?
1.Sunburn. A very obvious cause of skin discoloration on legs , it’s mainly a type of UV radiation reaction on your legs. These UV radiation coming from un would change the color of your skin (legs or any other body parts).
Why do legs and feet need blood?
Both your legs and feet need proper attention and good red blood cells to ensure low flow. Good blood flow is the basis of staying fit and say no to diseases. As poor circulation will invite not only skin discoloration on the leg but health issues for your whole body.
What color is the skin after a sunburn?
People with lighter skin may face red or tan-colored skin after sunburn, whereas people with darker complexion would go through darker skin color. There are many symptoms of sunburn that anyone could notice.
What is the dysfunction of the veins in your leg called?
3.Chronic Venous Insu fficiency . The dysfunction of the veins in your leg would call for venous insufficiency. Due to this condition, your blood flow is obstructed or it will not flow properly back to the heart and such conditions would pool the blood present in your legs.
How to prevent leg discoloration?
Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent leg discoloration from vascular disease. Plus, if there are any symptoms of circulation problems, early treatment will help prevent leg discoloration progression.
Why do my legs look splotchy?
The pressure causes veins to leak, and blood pools. Iron from pooling red blood cells begins to stain lower leg skin, causing it to discolor and appear splotchy. Leg discoloration indicates that venous disease is present and, possibly, at an advanced stage. Two possible conditions that will cause leg discoloration are:
What to Expect from Leg Discoloration Treatment?
Treating leg discoloration requires an accurate diagnosis of what is causing the problem. If after examining your legs, Dr. Eradat suspects venous disease conditions like CVI or DVT, he may recommend tests to confirm the diagnosis. These tests can include duplex ultrasound or venography, a special kind of X-ray that uses dye to show the veins and any blood clots.
What is a DVT?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots form in deep veins of the leg. This not only affects blood flow, but a blood clot can travel through the body and cause an embolism.
How long does it take to recover from leg discoloration?
Since only a small incision is needed, there are no stitches. Also, recovery time is much shorter than traditional surgery, so daily activities can often be resumed in 24 hours.
Can a vascular disease cause leg discoloration?
Yes. Leg discoloration that is not caused by injury, allergic reaction, or bruising can be a sign of vascular disease. It is important to see a vascular specialist for a diagnosis and treatment of the venous problems causing leg discoloration and other symptoms. Treatment will improve blood flow and prevent further deterioration. Also, if DVT is the underlying cause of leg discoloration, it is crucial that the blood clot be remedied before traveling through the bloodstream and causing an embolism.
What is the discoloration on the legs?
Skin discoloration on legs or anywhere else in the case of vitiligo usually happens in some small areas and then merges together
What are the causes and symptoms of skin discoloration on legs?
To understand leg discoloration, it is important to know what causes it. You may be surprised to learn about some of the causative factors that come from parts of your daily lives.
Why do my legs turn white?
Another very common cause behind leg discoloration is vitiligo. It causes white-colored or depigmented patches on the skin. Vitiligo happens due to the destruction of that part of the body’s immune system which takes care of melanin production. There are certain specific symptoms to look out for if you are planning to diagnose leg discoloration that happens because of vitiligo. Again, we will discuss that in detail in the next section.
What if a patch appears on your skin overnight?
What if a certain discolored patch appears on your skin overnight? You’d certainly notice it, and probably get worried about it too. Discoloration and pigmentation are quite common issues. While not always serious conditions by themselves, they may also be an indicator of another underlying problem. Hence, it is always recommended to get it checked and subsequently treated. Skin discoloration on legs is one such problem.
Why does my skin bleed outwardly?
Your skin bleeds outwardly when hurt. But it may also bleed internally. Note that this is a case for a medical emergency and there is no makeshift or aid-like treatment that may help you fix it at home. You notice something like this and that’s when you should seek immediate medical intervention, no matter where you are. Internal skin bleeding happens when a blood vessel is injured under the skin. This may either happen because of any long-standing or persistent illness, or even due to a blunt injury that may not affect the skin externally.
What is violaceous skin?
These are inflammatory conditions of the skin where pinkish, reddish or violaceous skin lesions appear and stay for a long time. These need to be evaluated and treated by a specialist as they are chronic and may occur along with other metabolic conditions.
Can radiation cause skin discoloration?
If you are someone who is undergoing radiation therapy for other conditions like malignancy, it may cause skin discoloration. It starts off with mild itching, dryness, redness and even peeling of the skin. It may also lead to hair loss.. Look out for uneven patches and get those diagnosed, especially if they crop up after you have started undergoing radiation therapy.
Why do my legs discolor?
Venous stasis dermatitis, commonly referred to as leg discoloration, occurs due to problems with your veins located in your feet or lower legs. Leg discoloration can occur in individuals with circulation issues. If your veins aren't performing at their full capacity, blood isn't returned back to your heart like it's supposed to.
What does it mean when your legs are discolored?
If you begin to notice changes in skin tone, color, or texture around your ankles and lower legs, it could indicate an underlying vascular disease.
What causes hair loss on ankles?
Loss of hair on shins and ankles. Thickened skin. Varicose or spider veins. If your doctor believes that your leg's discoloration is stemming from vascular disease, they'll use ultrasound technologies to determine any abnormalities in blood flow before proceeding to treatment.
What is vascular disease?
A vascular disorder is a disease that affects the blood vessels (veins and arteries) and capillaries located deeper than the superficial level of the body. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) refers to when the valves and veins in your legs become weak, which cripples their ability to return the blood to the heart.
How long does it take for discoloration to go away?
As long as treatment is sought promptly, most patients can expect the problem to be under control in a manner of weeks or months.
What happens if you have a blood clot in your leg?
Have a blood clot in your leg. These pose a health risk when they form incorrectly in your veins and can hinder proper blood flow.
What happens if your veins aren't working?
If your veins aren't performing at their full capacity, blood isn't returned back to your heart like it's supposed to. Valves located in your legs push blood upward towards your heart, but in the presence of other threatening health conditions, valves can struggle to perform at full capacity.
What is venous stasis dermatitis?
Venous stasis dermatitis is a skin condition that is caused by problems with the veins underneath the skin’s surface. When the valves in your veins are weak, they aren’t able to push blood back to your heart, and blood and fluids can pool in your legs, even leaking out of the veins and causing skin discoloration.
How to treat brown discoloration on legs
If you are experiencing brown skin discoloration on your lower legs, it is important to see a vein specialist as soon as possible. The specialist will be able to examine the veins and determine if a blood flow problem is causing the skin changes.
Preventing vein problems
To prevent vein problems like venous stasis dermatitis, varicose veins, and spider veins, you should be active everyday, not sit for long hours, eat a healthy diet, and may consider compression stockings and keeping your legs raised.
Visit A San Diego Vein Specialist
At Kafri Wellness Clinic, we have over 25+ years of experience working with patients to address vein issues. We also take into consideration a cardiovascular approach towards your treatment to give you as much insight into your health as possible. If you’d like to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you, please contact us today!
How to get rid of dark spots on legs?
You can also try laser treatment or intense pulsed light (IPL)to fade the discoloration. These are treatments for reducing the appearance of dark spots on the skin. They may fade the staining on your legs. You will need to visit a dermatologist for this type of treatment.
Why do my legs get bruised?
The technical term for this is hemosiderin staining. It’s caused by a problem with the blood vessels in your legs called chronic venous insufficiency. You may need to make lifestyle changes to help fix the condition.
What Causes Hemosiderin Staining?
Hemosiderin staining is usually a symptom of a condition in the blood vessels in your legs called chronic venous insufficiency. Veins are the vessels that carry blood back to the heart from the rest of your body. The veins in your legs have one-way valves that keep the blood from flowing backward, away from the heart. Over time, these valves can weaken, and blood doesn’t flow upward the way it should. Instead, the blood pools in the vessels in your legs and feet.
What to do if you have blood clots on your skin?
Wear compression stockings. If your doctor is concerned about possible blood clots or wounds on your skin, they will suggest treatment for those issues. Medications, wound care, or vein surgery may be needed.. Hemosiderin staining is something to be checked out since it’s related to the blood flow in your body.
What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency isn’t serious on its own, but it can lead to other symptoms that are uncomfortable, painful, and make it harder to do daily activities. Symptoms include: 1 Pain and fatigue in the legs 2 Swelling, especially after long periods of sitting or standing still 3 Cramps 4 Varicose veins 5 Itching or flaking skin 6 Sores that don’t heal
What does hemosiderin look like?
It can look like bruising, or it can be brownish or rust-colored. It may be harder to spot if you have a dark skin tone. Over time, the discoloration may become darker and look nearly black. Hemosiderin staining usually happens on the lower leg, near the ankles, or on your feet.
How common is chronic venous insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency is quite common, with up to 40% of Americans having the condition. It happens most often in people over 50 years old or in people who have previously had blood clots in their legs. Other risk factors of developing this include:
Why do my legs get discolored?
Why Does Vascular Disease Cause Leg Discoloration? Vascular disease is comprised of venous or arterial disease. Chronic vein disease can cause blood to pool in the lower legs similar to Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Small blood vessels at the skin surface become inflamed and burst, releasing iron which stains the skin.
What Is the Treatment for Leg Discoloration?
The first step in treating leg discoloration is determining the underlying cause and an evaluation with a vascular specialist is usually a good place to start. This evaluation will includes the following:
Why does my skin turn blue?
In severe cases of arterial disease, skin can also start to lose oxygen and turn blue or black. Both types of vascular disease can eventually lead to dry, scaly, thick, or itchy skin, or the development of slow-healing wounds called ulcers. Skin discoloration can be a warning sign of advancing vascular disease.
How to reduce redness in legs?
Exercise - Walking regularly can help to circulate blood instead of allowing it to pool in the lower legs, causing redness. Elevating legs at rest - putting your legs up to at least the level of your heart eliminates the strain of gravity on the veins and allows it to leave the legs more easily, reducing some redness.
How to treat vein disease?
Vein Disease - treatment for vein disease usually involves closing or removing dysfunctional veins, and in some cases, opening compressed veins, in order to establish better circulation . Once blood is moving back to the heart more efficiently, it has less chance to pool in the legs and stain the skin.
Is redness and dryness of the legs a reversible condition?
Early stages of skin changes from vascular disease may be reversible. Specifically, redness and dryness of the legs is easier to resolve than brownish discoloration, but even this can be improved in some cases. The following measures are good initial treatments.
Does insurance cover discoloration of skin?
Medical treatment for skin discoloration from vascular disease focuses on healing any wounds that may be present and protecting the skin from further damage. These treatments are typically covered by insurance since there is underlying disease present. The type of treatment needed depends of the type of disease present.
What causes discoloration on legs?
Diabetes. Diabetes is a condition wherein blood sugar levels become too high. Signs of diabetes can show up on the skin. Some symptoms of diabetes may cause discoloration or changes to the legs, such as: yellow, reddish, or brown patches. a hard, shiny appearance to the skin.
Why do my legs get discolored?
Some causes are temporary and will clear up with time. Other causes may require long-term treatment. In many cases, skin discoloration on the legs is due to a skin condition.
What happens to skin after a scratch?
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation tends to occur in darker skin after physical trauma, such as a scrape, a scratch, friction, or a cut from a sharp object.
What is the condition that causes patches of depigmented skin?
Vitiligo . Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of depigmented skin. Symptoms may include: patches of lighter, or white, skin. depigmentation of the hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes. itchy or painful skin. Medical experts are unsure of the cause of vitiligo.
How to treat vitiligo?
Some options include: using makeup or skin dyes to camouflage any depigmented areas of skin. undergoing surgery to transfer skin cells from areas of normal pigmentation to areas of depigmentation.
What causes a buildup of skin cells on the surface of the skin?
Psoriasis. Psoriasis is an auto-inflammatory condition in which the body produces skin cells more rapidly than usual. This causes a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin. Factors such as genetics and having an overactive immune system may play a role in the development of psoriasis.
What is the umbrella term for inflammation and irritation of the skin?
Eczema is an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. There are different types of eczema with different causes.
