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Leg Discoloration
WHAT IS LEG DISCOLORATION?
Hyperpigmentation or skin discoloration (also known as venous stasis dermatitis) in the skin as result from significant venous circulatory issues. Increased pressure from damaged veins can keep blood from flowing properly and cause some of this blood to leak out of the veins and into the skin. This is known as Venous stasis dermatitis.
Those with a vascular problem such as venous insufficiency or high blood pressure are at a risk of leg discoloration. If left untreated, more serious issues may develop, including leg pain, leg ulcers, or infection.
If your veins fail to perform at full capacity, this means blood isn’t returning to your heart as it’s supposed to.
SYMPTOMS
Once this occurs, it rarely goes away. However, treatment should still be done because this skin damage can lead to sores or ulcers. Medical intervention will help get this problem under control.
WHAT CAUSES LEG DISCOLORATION?
Poor circulation, or higher than normal pressure through delicate veins in the lower extremities can cause some of the blood to leak through the skin. The pigmented color from the blood can cause a dark discoloration in the skin. Venous Insufficiency, which is a problem with the vein valves not working properly to pump blood, can cause this added pressure to build.
There are a variety of factors can increase your risk of developing leg discoloration such as:
Varicose Veins:
Swollen, bulging veins that protrude from the surface of the skin, often with a blue or purplish color. They commonly have a rope-like or cord-like appearance on the skin.
High Blood Pressure:
The pressure of blood pressing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high.
Pregnancy:
Can occur due to the increased amount of fluids that is needed by the fetus
Vein Injury:
From surgery or other factors that cause a weakening in the vein walls.
Age:
Those over 50 years old have a higher risk of leg discoloration.
Deep vein thrombosis can also be the reason behind leg circulation, due to the poor circulation DVT causes. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of your legs or other areas, backing up the flow of blood.
Our practice is experienced with offering the most progressive approaches in treating patients with advanced symptoms of venous reflux disease including the diseases mentioned above. Consult with our physician today to learn more.
Treatment for Leg Discoloration
The vein specialists at Virginia Vein Care can come up with the best treatment option for you based on you’re age, medical history, and your symptoms.
Radiofrequency ablation: this is a minimally invasive procedure where your physician will insert a catheter into the area of the infected veins. The catheter will emit energy to heat the veins, closing them down. Blood will be redirected through healthier blood vessels.
Sclerotherapy: This is a procedure similar to radiofrequency ablation but instead uses a sclerosing agent which reroutes the flow of blood rather than using a catheter to emit energy as heat.
Since leg discoloration can be related to a wide range of vein diseases, the diagnosis and treatment will vary from patient to patient. For those conditions which aren’t as serious, treatment may consist only of wearing a compression stocking and keeping you’re affected leg elevated higher than your hips to increase blood flow to your heart, along with regular exercise.
Talk to the Vein Specialists at Virginia Vein Care
If you notice a discoloration in either or both of your legs, it’s possible that you have a vein issue that requires attention. While it’s possible that the discoloration is from something like a bug bite or hives, you should make an appointment with our vascular specialists to be sure. We can provide you with a comprehensive exam and any other diagnostic tool to determine what is causing your leg discoloration.
Visit our vein treatment center in McLean, VA, or Purcellville, VA today to see how we can help you.