Skin discoloration on legs: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and more – Medical News Today

Skin discoloration on the legs can occur for a variety of reasons. Some causes are temporary and will clear up with time. Other causes may require long-term treatment.

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.

This article outlines the possible causes of skin discoloration on the legs, along with their associated symptoms and treatment options. It also provides advice on when to contact a doctor.

Sunburn is a reaction to skin-damaging UV radiation from the sun. This damage causes the skin to change color. Lighter skin may turn red or tan, while darker skin may become darker.

Symptoms of severe sunburn include:

A person who has spent an excessive amount of time in the sun may also experience the following symptoms:

The following treatments may help alleviate the symptoms of sunburn:

Anyone who experiences severe sunburn needs immediate medical attention.

Birthmarks are marks on the skin that typically appear at birth or just after birth.

There are many different types of birthmark, and each may vary in appearance. For example, birthmarks may:

Most birthmarks are harmless, but they can grow larger over time. Ideally, a person should have a dermatologist assess any birthmarks to make sure that they are not a symptom of another condition.

Some birthmarks may fade or disappear as the person gets older. If a person has a birthmark that requires treatment, excision, laser therapy, or medications may help reduce its appearance.

Eczema is an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. There are different types of eczema with different causes.

Some causes include:

The symptoms of eczema may vary depending on the type. Some possible symptoms include:

The treatment for eczema will depend partly on the type. Some possible treatment options include:

Psoriasis is an auto-inflammatory condition in which the body produces skin cells more rapidly than usual. This causes a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin.

Symptoms may include:

Factors such as genetics and having an overactive immune system may play a role in the development of psoriasis.

Psoriasis can be a life-long condition. However, the following treatment options can help a person manage the symptoms:

Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of depigmented skin. Symptoms may include:

Medical experts are unsure of the cause of vitiligo. However, risk factors include having an autoimmune condition or having a relative with vitiligo.

Treatments for vitiligo aim to reduce inflammation and replace lost skin color. Some options include:

Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, including the legs.

Symptoms may include:

Skin cancer may also appear as a new mole or spot on the skin.

With early detection, skin cancer is very treatable. Skin cancer treatment depends on the type but may include:

Venous insufficiency (VI) is a condition in which the veins within the legs do not function properly, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart. This causes blood to pool in the legs.

VI can cause the following symptoms:

Treatment for VI may include:

Diabetes is a condition wherein blood sugar levels become too high. Signs of diabetes can show up on the skin.

Some symptoms of diabetes may cause discoloration or changes to the legs, such as:

The treatment of diabetes depends on the type a person has.

A person with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin to control their blood sugar levels.

A person with type 2 diabetes may benefit from the following treatments:

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation tends to occur in darker skin after physical trauma, such as a scrape, a scratch, friction, or a cut from a sharp object.

When a person scratches or cuts their leg, they may notice that their skin is darker in that area after the wound has healed.

If the hyperpigmentation is severe and causing a person distress, they should speak with a doctor or dermatologist. They can recommend suitable treatment options.

Some treatment options include:

When a person has Schambergs disease, their capillaries leak, and they may notice areas of discoloration on their legs.

The exact cause of Schambergs disease is unknown, but alcohol consumption, genetics, and some medications, such as aspirin, can all cause the capillaries to leak blood into the skin.

There are some treatment options that could be effective in helping a person manage the symptoms of Schambergs disease.

Sometimes, a person may need to try several treatments before finding one that works well for them.

Treatment options may include:

A person should contact a doctor if they experience any of the following:

A person needs immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following:

In some cases, a doctor may take a skin sample, or biopsy, to examine the affected skin more closely.

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. In such cases, specific treatments may be necessary to prevent any further complications.

There are many potential causes of leg discoloration. Some are relatively benign and transient, while others can be much more serious.

A person should contact a doctor if they notice any changes to an existing birthmark or mole or if they develop any new growths on the skin. People should also contact a doctor if they experience any additional symptoms, such as those associated with VI or diabetes.

A doctor will work to diagnose the cause of a persons symptoms and provide appropriate treatments.

Link:
Skin discoloration on legs: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and more - Medical News Today