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. Donât 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 Ohioâs 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.
Getting Diagnosed With Venous Hypertension / Insufficiency
If your legs have reddish brown stains on them, make an appointment at your GP practice to see a healthcare practitioner, this may be a doctor or a nurse.
Alternatively, there might be a Leg Club or specialist leg clinic in your area you should be able to get information on this from your doctors surgery. You can attend one of these without having to be referred by your GP.
Remember to remove any nail polish from your toenails before your appointment.
When you see the nurse or doctor, they should:
- Ask about your symptoms and how long you have had problems
- Examine your lower legs
You may be offered a simple test called a Doppler ultrasound. This test measures the blood pressure in your ankle and compares it to the pressure in your arm to see if you have problems with the blood supply to your lower leg. You might have to come back to have your Doppler test on a different day or at another clinic but you should have this test within a few weeks of your first appointment.
You might also be offered further tests to check for other health problems that can affect your legs such as diabetes and anaemia.
If your GP or nurse thinks you have problems with your veins or arteries, they might refer you for further vascular tests at your local hospital or specialist clinic.
Other Ways To Take Care Of Dark Ankles
Taking long-term care of your ankles is necessary to maintain its natural color. If you invest your time and efforts in daily skincare rituals, the darkness of that area will decrease and they will look much healthier over time. Here are the easiest ways to follow:
1. Clean and wash your ankles daily in the shower and follow it up with a thick moisturizer so that the skin around them does not become dry and rough.
2. Exfoliate your ankles regularly to prevent the accumulation of dead cells on it. Follow a gentle circular motion to avoid irritation. Doing it twice every week will keep the skin soft and smooth.
3. Apply and reapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your ankles religiously if they are exposed to the sun.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, moisturizers containing natural compounds like lignin, ellagic acid, soy protein, vitamin B3, etc. can help in lightening our skin tone to a certain extent.
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Causes Of Ankle Discoloration
Stasis dermatitis occurs as a direct consequence of venous insufficiency. Disturbed function of the 1-way valvular system in the deep venous plexus of the legs results in a backflow of blood from the deep venous system to the superficial venous system, with accompanying venous hypertension. This loss of valvular function can result from an age-related decrease in valve competency.
Alternatively, specific events, such as deep venous thrombosis, surgery , or traumatic injury, can severely damage the function of the lower-extremity venous system.
Contact Us At Vein & Vascular
If youre ready to schedule a consult at the Vein & Vascular Institute, just call 856-309-8346. During your call, well help you find a great time to come by and get care for deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or any other venous disorders affecting your life. We look forward to helping you remain in great health through the years, so please feel free to call today
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Baking Soda And Water
Baking soda can lighten the color of your darkened skin well while cleansing it thoroughly through gentle exfoliation. Make a smooth paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply it on the affected areas of your legs. Rub lightly in a circular motion and wait for 10 minutes before rinsing it away. Make sure that you repeat it every other day for visible results.
Causes Of Brown Spots On Legs
Since the skin contains pigmentation that is brought about melanin, the more the skin is exposed to the sun, the more melanin in the skin accumulates. Over time, the melanin begins to clump together in higher concentration in some areas of the skin than others. This brings about the appearance of brown or black patches on the skin, especially on the front part of their legs. The more the skin is exposed to the sun, the darker the spots appear.
Dark spots on legs with poor circulation could also be caused by discoloration brought about by stasis dermatitis which is caused by poor circulation of blood in the legs.
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What Is Venous Stasis Dermatitis
Venous stasis dermatitis is when blood leaks out from the veins and goes into the skin. In general, this condition happens due to an issue with the body not moving the blood through your veins well, sometimes due to a blockage or other pressure issues inside the veins.
The affliction also goes by the names venous eczema and stasis dermatitis.
While this condition is most common in individuals over 50, it can occur in all ages. Additionally, this condition is more likely seen in women than men. Several medical treatments are available for stasis dermatitis, including options not involving a doctor.
What Do Dark Spots On Legs Mean
Dark spots on the legs are very common. It simply means that there is an excess of melanin being produced in certain areas on the body. Melanin is the substance in the body that provides pigment for eyes, hair, and skin tone. The amount of melanin differs from person to person due to genetics, but overall, those with higher levels of melanin will have darker skin, darker eyes and darker hair. Dark spots can occur on other parts of the body as well, including the arms, chest, back, face, back of the hands or tops of the feet.
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Causes Of Dark Ankles
There are many leading causes of hyperpigmentation around your ankles according to your lifestyle. try to remove them. Some of the causes are listed below
- Staining of wet clothes
- Use of hard stone for exfoliating your ankles
- Putting extra pressure on ankles for a longer time period
- Exposure to sun
- Environmental factor like harsh wind, dry weather
- Medical illness
Other than medical illness, all the causes can be cured at your home with some simple home remedies.
Notice A Dark Spot On Ankles Or Lower Leg It Could Be A Sign Of A Vein Disorder
- Posted on: Jan 4 2022
- Vein & Vascular Institute
A dark spot that appears on the ankles and lower legs might not seem like something to worry about, but it could be a sign that you have developed vein disease. Learn about how vein disease can cause dark spots and discoloration to appear on the ankles and lower legs.
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Which Deficiency Causes Black Spots On The Legs
Diabetes is a disease in which the body is not able to produce or respond to the hormone insulin properly. If you are someone who has insulin-dependent diabetes and is deficient in insulin production, that means the body is not properly using insulin. It can build up in the bloodstream and lead to dark spots on the skin and black patches on legs and elsewhere on the body.
What Skin Lightening Treatments Should I Avoid
Some skin lightening products can come with serious side effects. If a skin lightening cream contains mercury, it could damage your kidneys or nerves.
Always ask your dermatologist for recommendations before using a new skin care product. When buying skin care products, look for ingredients that could indicate mercury, including:
- Ingredients that contain the words mercury or mercuric.
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How To Get Rid Of Dark Spots On Your Legs
The most common treatments for dark spots are microdermabrasion, chemical peels, cryotherapy and laser treatment, which tends to be the most effective. There are two different approaches to treating dark spots with a laser procedure. One uses the laser to actually eliminate the top layer of the skin and remove the affected skin cells, which is similar to what microdermabrasion and chemical peels also do, but the laser is much stronger. The other laser treatment option uses the laser to tighten skin around the affected area and promote the natural production of collagen to decrease the appearance of the darker spots. You will need to schedule a consultation with one of the team members at Fox Vein & Laser Experts so that we can determine which treatment option will provide the most successful solution to treating your dark spots.
There are also prescription and non-prescription creams that can help reduce the appearance, and natural remedies such using essential oils, and products containing vitamin C, B12 and E, licorice extract, mulberry, soy and niacinamide, can also help lighten up the spots.
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 doesnât flow upward the way it should. Instead, the blood pools in the vessels in your legs and feet.
Chronic venous insufficiency isnât 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:
- Pain and fatigue in the legs
- Swelling, especially after long periods of sitting or standing still
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A Common Cause Of Vein Insufficiency Is Varicose Veins
Your veins may become varicose when they have been damaged due to faulty valves. When valves in your veins are functioning correctly, they allow the blood to pass through on its route back up to your heart. But when theyre faulty, they can prevent some of the blood from making that journey.
The blood that cant get through pools in your feet, ankles, and legs creating a thick, gnarled vein what we call a varicose vein. Although the effects ofvaricose veins are twisted and unsightly veins and discoloured ankles, its not just cosmetic damage thats taking place here. Pooling blood can cause edema , affecting the health of your skin and youre more likely to develop other issues with your veins, such as venous stasis ulcers.
Sometimes traumatic events involving your veins can lead to them becoming damaged and unable to return blood flow sufficiently back to your heart. Deep vein thrombosis , trauma from an injury, or certain surgical procedures can also cause damage and ankle discoloration.
The cause of your ankle discoloration is evaluated by using a color duplex ultrasound. This creates an image using soundwaves that enables Dr. Banda to see if there are any blood clots, changes to the blood vessels in your legs and ankles, and where there is reduced blood flow.
Glycerin And Rose Water
When it comes to making dark ankles brighter, glycerin and rose water can go hand in hand. Take glycerin and rose water each 1 tablespoon and blend them well. Apply the blend liberally on the troubled spots and allow it to sit for an hour. Then, wash away with lukewarm water. Make sure to practice it at least 5 times every week.
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Getting Rid Of Dark Ankles
Hyperpigmentation is a very common condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. Though usually harmless, this darkening can occur when an excess amount of melanin forms large deposits in the skin. There are several medical conditions that can cause hyperpigmentation, and for those we suggest you see a doctor.
However, if your hyperpigmentation is caused by dryness, and not an underlying medical condition, then Id like to share the remedy that finally helped me tame the darkening skin on my ankles.
First, I have discovered that regular exfoliation of the skin, not only on our face, but our bodies as well, can ward off a plethora of skin conditions, including acne and hyperpigmentation.
About a year ago I started an intense routine of exfoliation, followed by Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother and finally moisturization. This routine has greatly improved the skin on my ankles, so much so, I tried it on my bumpy elbows and have had even greater success. The unsightly dark bumps on my elbows are almost completely gone, and showing off my arms without feeling self-conscious is no longer a problem for me.
My routine is simple, inexpensive, and I hope it works as well for you as it has for me.
Step 1. Cleanse your skin with Black Soap using a Salux Exfoliating Cloth.
Step 3. Follow Step 2 at night, but do not rinse away the vinegar or apply a moisturizer.
Why Do I Have Brown Spots On My Legs
Sun exposure is the most common cause of brown spots on the skin, but this is not the only reason for these dark patches of skin on the body. Additional causes include:
Hormonal changes in the body due to puberty or pregnancy.
Inflammation caused by acne, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, or any kind of injury to the skin.
Diabetes, which is a condition affecting the way the body produces insulin. When it does not properly use insulin, it pools in the bloodstream and dark spots can appear.
Melanoma skin cancer.
Addisons Disease, which is a lesser common condition, but is an adrenal disease that decreases cortisol production in the body and causes hyperpigmentation.
Melasma, which is a skin condition that causes hyperpigmentation and is very common in pregnant women.
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Vein Disease Or Damage
Healthy veins keep blood flowing one way through a series of valves that stop it from going back down the legs under the pull of gravity. When veins are diseased or damaged, blood may be allowed to pool in the veins instead of travelling back to the heart. This builds pressure in the vein, and blood can leak into the surrounding tissues, causing dark skin discolouration in the areas.
How to get rid of it: While treating vein damage or disease is usually part of a larger overall management plan for venous health, you can help promote healthy venous flow by staying active, hydrated and wearing compression stockings.
What Causes Skin Discoloration In The Legs
Do you have unusually red or dark skin on your lower legs, ankles or feet? Does the skin on your legs look or feel different than the skin on the rest of your body? If you have noticed skin discoloration or texture changes on your lower extremities, these warning signs should not be ignored. Out-of-the-ordinary skin symptoms on your legs are often a sign of underlying venous insufficiency.
To address the condition of your skin, it is essential to first investigate the underlying cause of your symptoms. Dr. Manu B. Aggarwal and her expert staff at the Vein Care Center have the experience, knowledge and state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat venous insufficiency. After you learn more about skin discoloration caused by circulation problems, contact us to schedule a vein evaluation at one of our offices in Lima, Celina or Bluffton, Ohio.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Dark Spots On Legs I Shouldnt Ignore
As there can be a variety of causes for dark spots on legs, there are also different symptoms you may experience. These are some you should not ignore and seek medical advice for:
- You may notice aching, swelling, or dry and itchy skin patches a symptom of venous hypertension. Any history of varicose veins or leg ulcers, or if you are stood for long periods at work, could bring on such symptoms.
- Scaly, red lesions, especially in sun-exposed areas, could be an early symptom of cancer known as actinic keratosis.
- Dark spots with an irregular shape, irregular border, multicoloured hue, or one that itches or bleeds. This may suggest the presence of melanoma.
Learn more about laser skin resurfacing.
Face Defense Is Obligatory
To keep your skin youthful, make sure to secure your skin from the sun do not be lazy to do this so that later on you will not have to regret it.
The face is the most unguarded part of the body because the sun constantly affects it, and not just on the beach in summertime as on the skin of the body. Even on a cloudy day, do not forget to apply sunscreen today, such creams likewise completely moisturize the skin. Moreover, when buying a day cream, pay attention to whether it contains sunscreens or not.
In order not to fade eyebrows, you can color them before a holiday or utilize an unique protective gel. Shipping Kollagen Intensiv
Eyelashes and eyes are typically safeguarded by glasses opt for special glasses that block UV rays and understand that they do not need to be pricey.
Gloss can be applied to the lips with an SPF filter today, it is produced by lots of well-known business. There is even a protective lipstick that protects and moisturizes lips for example.
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