What can cause skin discoloration on legs?
Causes and treatments for skin discoloration on the legs
- Sunburn.
- Birthmarks.
- Eczema.
- Psoriasis.
- Vitiligo.
- Cancer.
- Venous insufficiency.
- Diabetes.
What does discoloration in the legs mean?
What is leg discoloration? Leg discoloration, or venous stasis dermatitis, is a type of skin inflammation that occurs due to poor circulation. It can occur anywhere on your legs, but it’s especially common near the calves, ankles, and feet because that’s where blood usually collects.
What causes brown 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.
Why do my legs get purple and itchy?
Especially common among people living with vessel disorders such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, stasis or gravitational eczema can cause itchy, swollen, reddish-purple patches on the lower legs.
What causes brown blotches on legs?
Age Spots Age spots are the most common cause of this discoloration on the legs. These spots develop from constant sun exposure, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or some types of medications. Age spots are typically not a medical concern and can be removed with laser treatments.
Why do my legs turn purple and itch when I stand for too long?
Livedo reticularis is thought to be due to spasms of the blood vessels or an abnormality of the circulation near the skin surface. It makes the skin, usually on the legs, look mottled and purplish, in sort of a netlike pattern with distinct borders. Sometimes livedo reticularis is simply the result of being chilled.
How do you get rid of diabetic leg discoloration?
Diabetes-related dermopathy is a harmless skin condition that affects people living with diabetes. It looks like small, round brownish patches and usually appears on your shins. There’s no treatment for diabetes-related dermopathy, but makeup and moisturizer can help with its appearance.
How do I improve blood circulation in my legs?
Six Tips for Improving Blood Circulation in Legs
- Walking. Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise that can help you create a more active and healthy lifestyle and may promote weight loss.
- Stretching.
- Position Your Body.
- Wear Compression Stockings.
- Stop Smoking.
- Manage Your Stress Levels.
Is stasis dermatitis life threatening?
“Recognizing stasis dermatitis early may help reveal a life-threatening condition and prevent the skin condition from progressing from swelling, redness and itching to open, oozing ulcerations that are vulnerable to infection,” notes Dr.
What does diabetic legs look like?
Also known as “shin spots,” the hallmark of diabetic dermopathy is light brown, scaly patches of skin, often occurring on the shins. These patches may be oval or circular. They’re caused by damage to the small blood vessels that supply the tissues with nutrition and oxygen.
Why are my legs so itchy?
Skin conditions that can cause itchy legs include: You may have extremely dry, itchy skin without a root cause. This is a skin condition on its own. The medical term is xerosis. Itchiness may be a sign of serious disease — one you may or may not know you have.
What are the symptoms of discoloration of the legs?
Leg discoloration appears as dark purple, red and brown blotches on the legs, especially the lower legs. The skin may also appear shiny, irritated and look like it has a rash. Patients may experience swelling or edema also.
What happens if you scratch an itchy lower leg?
Even though scratching can be helpful in relieving an itchy sensation, it only offers temporary relief. Scratching can also result in breaks in the skin that can lead to bleeding or infection, further exacerbating the issue. Sometimes a lower leg itch may not be associated with any visible skin changes.
Can sunburn cause skin discoloration on legs?
If you have sensitive and light toned skin that is prone to burn and you do not apply a sunscreen, sunburn may give you skin discoloration on legs. A visible burn on the skin in the form of reddish patches These patches may heal leaving behind dark hyperpigmented patches