What causes darkening of the lower legs?
What causes darkening of the lower legs?
Areas of darker skin color in the lower leg, ankle or foot are called Hemosiderin deposits. Hemosiderin is a brownish pigment caused by the breakdown of blood hemoglobin, the iron content in red blood cells. Foot and Ankle Discoloration is called Stasis Dermatitis and is usually a symptom of Venous Insufficiency.
How do I get rid of discoloration on my lower 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.
What causes swelling and redness in lower legs?
Common causes of leg swelling include salt retention, cellulitis, congestive heart failure, venous insufficiency, pregnancy, and medication side effects.
What does poor circulation in legs look like?
Symptoms of poor circulation are often easy to spot. They include muscle cramping, constant foot pain, and pain and throbbing in the arms and legs. As well as fatigue, varicose veins, and digestive issues. Leg cramps while walking and wounds that don’t seem to heal in your legs, feet, and toes are also symptoms.
Why do my legs look black?
What is Leg Discoloration? 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.
Can discoloration on legs go away?
Many causes of leg discoloration are temporary and will go away in time or with appropriate treatment. Other causes may require long-term treatment and management. In some cases, skin discoloration of the legs can signal a serious health issue.
Why are my lower legs red and purple?
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.
Can you reverse poor circulation in legs?
A new study by researchers at Indiana University published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise suggests that the impaired blood flow in leg arteries can actually be reversed by breaking up your sitting regimen with five-minute walking breaks.
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 causes lower legs to turn red?
The most common causes of what looks like a rash or red dots on the lower legs are either immune-mediated inflammation like eczema or psoriasis, or a skin infection like cellulitis. Other causes of red blotches on the lower legs can arise from an allergic reaction to certain foods or contact with poisonous plants.
Why are my legs swollen and red?
If your muscles are strained, your legs can appear red and swollen. Redness caused by fatigue can cover larger areas of your leg rather then smaller dots or patches, as with hives.
Why are my legs red?
A red rash on the lower legs accompanies recurring bouts of fever, abdominal pain, bowel upset, and swollen joints. The possible causes of red skin on feet and ankles are varied. Atopic dermatitis in infants commonly affects feet and ankles. Caused by bleeding beneath the skin, these tiny spots most commonly occur on the ankles and feet.
Why are my calves red?
Injury to a vein or physical inactivity can also cause a blood clot. The symptoms of a blood clot that occurs in the calf or foot includes redness and swelling, tenderness, warmth and pain at the site of the clot.