Do you notice indents on your legs, ankles, or feet? Do you see skin discoloration on your lower legs? Skin discoloration may be a sign of vein disease. If so, you may have an underlying vein disease caused by poor circulation to the legs.
One symptom of vein disease is skin discoloration, and you are not alone, skin disease is more prevalent than you may realize. Millions of Americans suffer from a form of skin disease. Should you be experiencing these symptoms, you may be presenting signs of advanced vein disease. Seeking consultation from a vascular surgeon for evaluation and treatment is crucial for your health.
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Skin discoloration on the legs, ankles, and feet may be caused by hemosiderin staining, a brownish pigment that is caused by the breakdown of hemoglobin, which then collects and makes the skin appear dark. Venous Stasis Dermatitis is a skin condition that affects the lower extremities: the legs, ankles, and feet. It is caused by the build-up of fluid due to varicose veins , circulation issues or heart disease. Venous stasis dermatitis can occur even if there are no visible varicose veins and is typically prevalent in people older than 50 years of age.
Veins in the legs and feet have one-way valves that keep the blood from coming back down. In CVI, these valves and veins become weak. Weakened valves can prevent the blood from flowing back to the heart, allowing blood to pool in the veins. As your body moves, pressure builds up in the vein, causing blood to leak into the surrounding muscles and skin. Hemoglobin in the red blood cells is then broken down by the body, causing it to stain the surrounding tissues, leading to discoloration of the skin.
Age is the number one risk factor for developing skin discoloration, specifically, if you are over the age of It is imperative to determine the underlying vein disease triggering your skin discoloration.
