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.
How do I get rid of discoloration on my legs?
In many cases, skin discoloration on the legs is due to a skin condition. However, this symptom can also indicate poor circulation or an underlying metabolic condition.
Treatment
compression therapy to improve blood flow.regular exercise.moving the feet when sitting for long periods of time.laser ablation.
What does brown discoloration of 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.
What causes purple discoloration on legs?
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.
Is leg discoloration serious?
When left untreated, leg discoloration can lead to more serious issues, including pain, leg ulcers, or infection.
How do you get rid of venous stasis discoloration?
Treatments
Wear compression stockings. They ease swelling and improve blood flow.Keep your feet elevated above your heart. When you can, do it for 15 minutes every 2 hours and while you sleep.Don’t stand still for too long. Walk around often.
How can I improve the 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.
Can venous stasis be cured?
When a vein is damaged and affected by chronic venous insufficiency, it cannot be “repaired”. The way to treat varicose vein disease is to close the damaged veins, causing the blood to divert to normal, healthy veins.
What does venous stasis look like?
What does venous stasis dermatitis look like? Venous stasis dermatitis causes significant changes in the appearance of the skin on your legs. The most common sign of venous stasis dermatitis is brown or red skin discoloration around your ankles and lower legs.
Why do I have brown patches on my 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.
What does hemosiderin staining look like?
Hemosiderin — a protein compound that stores iron in your tissues — can accumulate under your skin. As a result, you may notice yellow, brown, or black staining or a bruiselike appearance. Stains most often appear on the lower leg, sometimes covering the space between your knee and ankle.
Does hemosiderin staining go away?
If you do notice leg discoloration, or hemosiderin staining, take action. CVI can be treated at its source using a combination of surgical and noninvasive vein procedures. If caught and treated early enough in the vein disease process, your skin discoloration will lighten and, in some cases, disappear completely.
What are the symptoms of poor blood circulation in the legs?
Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation
Swollen veins and arteries (varicose or “spider” veins)Heaviness in legs and feet.Skin discoloration.Swollen legs and feet.Split, weeping skin.Ulcers.Pelvic pain or discomfort.Restless legs and feet.
What are the symptoms of a blocked artery in your leg?
What Are the Symptoms of a Blocked Artery in Your Leg?
Painful cramping in one or both of your hips, thighs, or calf muscles after doing physical activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.Prolonged soreness on your feet, legs, and toes that don’t heal or are very slow to heal.Discoloration of legs.
What do mottled legs look like?
The mottled definition is that of smears and spots of colors presenting on any surface. Thus, mottled skin, also known as livedo reticularis or dyschromia, occurs when the skin shows patchy and irregular colors. Mostly it is red and purple, appearing in streaks or spots and may even have a marbled semblance.
What do diabetic legs look like?
High blood sugar from diabetes damages small blood vessels and causes these brownish patches. These roundish, rough spots often appear on your shins. Dermopathy is usually harmless and should fade away in 18 months or so. But it also can last a long time.
What does hemosiderin staining look like?
Hemosiderin — a protein compound that stores iron in your tissues — can accumulate under your skin. As a result, you may notice yellow, brown, or black staining or a bruiselike appearance. Stains most often appear on the lower leg, sometimes covering the space between your knee and ankle.
What does venous stasis dermatitis look like?
Common signs and symptoms of stasis dermatitis include: Thickened, discolored (reddish) skin on the ankles or shins. Itching. Open sores, oozing and crusting.
