Leg Discoloration
If you have recently noticed changes in the color or tone of your skin on your legs/ankles, you may be experiencing a common symptom of vein disease. Leg discoloration happens to millions of Americans.
At our vein centers in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, we offer free screenings to diagnose vein disease. Book a free vein screening in our vein clinics near you to have your symptoms diagnosed and learn more about treatment options.
What is Leg Discoloration?
Leg discoloration happens when the blood in the legs doesn't flow properly and leaks as pressure builds up in your vein. When blood leaks out of the vein, it collects in the skin, resulting in the appearance of dark purple or red blotches.
Causes of Leg Discoloration
Leg discoloration is commonly caused by two conditions.
Venous Stasis Dermatitis
This is a skin condition that affects the lower parts of the body including the legs, ankles and feet. The condition appears because of the build-up of fluid due to varicose veins, circulation issues or heart issues.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
As chronic venous insufficiency develops, the one-way valves that keep blood from coming back down become weak. The damaged and weakened valves prevent blood flow from the legs to the heart, causing blood to pool in veins.
As your body moves, pressure builds up in the veins and blood leaks into the surrounding skin. Hemoglobin in red blood cells is then broken down and stains the surrounding tissues, resulting in the discoloration of the skin.
Symptoms
Most noticeable symptoms include:
Swelling around ankles
Red or brown patches on the lower legs, ankles or feet.
Irritation or skin rash.
Without diagnosis and treatment, leg discoloration can worsen and other symptoms may begin to present themselves.
Varicose Veins
Itching and Burning
Leg Pain
Leg Ulcers
Eczema
What are Risk Factors of Leg Discoloration?
Skin discoloration can develop for anyone, but some people are more prone to this symptom such as:
Women who have had multiple pregnancies
People over the age of 50
Those who are overweight
Those who have kidney failure
Previous surgery or injury in the lower legs
Unhealthy lifestyle
Treatment
It's important to receive timely diagnosis and treatment for underlying vein disease that causes skin discoloration. In order to have the condition treated properly, it is recommended that patients find a board-certified vein specialist and a well-facilitated vein clinic.
At Physicians Vein Clinics, our team of vein doctors uses conservative and minimally invasive procedures to address skin discoloration. Depending on your condition and medical history, our vein specialists will determine a personalized treatment plan for you. Our procedures include:
Endovenous Laser Ablation: Endovenous Laser Ablation is a minimally-invasive method for treating chronic venous insufficiency using laser energy to shrink and collapse the treated veins.
Sclerotherapy: This procedure shrinks and collapses abnormal veins by injecting an FDA-approved chemical agent into the vein. The sclerotherapy causes the damaged veins to collapse, rerouting your blood to healthier vessels.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small scalpel or needle to remove varicose veins lying just beneath the surface of the leg. It is one of the most common and very effective procedures for vein treatment.
When to See a Vein Doctor Near Me?
If you are only showing minor symptoms, an adjustment to a healthy lifestyle such as diet and exercise can help you alleviate your symptoms.
For more serious cases, it's recommended that you consult a vein doctor for personalized treatments.
Book a FREE SCREENING today to learn about your symptoms, risk factors, treatment plan and insurance coverage.
Why Physicians Vein Clinics:
Our vein centers have 12 convenient vein clinics across South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.
Board-certified vein specialists with years of experience and training.
Well-facilitated clinics with the most advanced, minimally invasive procedures.
