Maya Ellison
Skin on the legs can sometimes appear discoloured or bruised, which may be due to a condition called hemosiderin staining. This is caused by a problem with the blood vessels in the legs called chronic venous insufficiency, which leads to blood leaking out of capillaries and pooling under the skin, leaving a residue of haemoglobin. Other causes of skin discolouration on the legs include skin conditions such as psoriasis, sunburn, and vitiligo, as well as poor circulation or underlying metabolic conditions like diabetes. In some cases, skin discolouration can indicate a more serious health issue, such as skin cancer or venous stasis dermatitis, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Additionally, skin on the legs can develop small, painless bumps due to a condition called keratosis pilaris, which is caused by excess keratin blocking the pores. This condition is typically harmless and may improve with a gentle skincare routine to treat dry skin.
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What You'll Learn
Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, or keratosis pilaris
Psoriasis
Psoriasis typically presents as small red bumps that may develop into thick, silvery scales. It can affect any part of the body, including the legs, and usually appears in adulthood.
Eczema
Eczema is a group of skin conditions characterised by redness, inflammation, and itching. Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, causes discolored, itchy patches that come and go. Eczema often affects the insides of elbows and backs of the knees but can occur anywhere on the body, including the legs.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo causes skin discolouration, resulting in lighter or darker patches on the skin compared to the surrounding area. While it can occur anywhere on the body, skin discolouration from vitiligo may be noticeable on the legs.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition characterised by small, painless bumps around hair follicles, typically on the upper arms, legs, or buttocks. These bumps, consisting of excess keratin, may be red, brown, white, or skin-coloured, resembling "goose bumps" or "chicken skin." While keratosis pilaris is usually harmless and does not require treatment, it can cause cosmetic concerns.
These skin conditions can have varied presentations and may sometimes resemble each other. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
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Poor circulation or chronic venous insufficiency
CVI can happen due to damage to any of the leg veins, including deep veins, which are large veins deep in the body that run through the muscles; superficial veins, which are close to the skin's surface; and perforating veins, which connect the deep and superficial veins. In most cases, the underlying cause of CVI is incompetent venous valves.
CVI is a prevalent disease process worldwide, with approximately 150,000 new patients diagnosed each year. While it is not a serious health threat, it can be painful and disabling, and it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Symptoms of CVI include achy or tired legs, a burning, tingling, or "pins and needles" sensation in the legs, and cramping in the legs at night.
There are several treatment options for CVI, including conservative therapies such as compression therapy, elevation of the legs, and exercise; pharmacologic treatments; and more invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, and surgery.
If you are experiencing skin discolouration on your legs, it is important to discuss your individual outlook with a doctor, as it can indicate a serious health issue in some cases.
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Underlying metabolic conditions like diabetes
Skin that appears to look like plastic could be indicative of underlying metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Diabetes can cause skin problems, and while most of these are harmless, even minor skin conditions can become serious if left untreated.
Diabetes can cause skin infections or changes such as dark patches on the skin. Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) is a condition that causes dark, velvet-looking bands of discoloured skin. It is a sign of insulin resistance and can be an indicator of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. It is common in people who are overweight or obese. The spots are usually red or brown and do not hurt, itch, or open up. They do not require treatment, but it is important to address the root cause, such as obesity or insulin resistance. Being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can help reverse insulin resistance.
Diabetes can also cause bacterial infections, which are more likely to occur when blood sugar levels are high. Bacterial infections cause tissue inflammation, resulting in hot, swollen, red, and painful skin. Common bacterial infections include those on the eyelids, hair follicles, and fingernails. Diabetic blisters, also known as bullosis diabeticorum, are another possible symptom. These are painless blisters that usually appear on the backs of the hands and feet, but they can also develop on the legs and forearms. They typically heal on their own without leaving scars, but it is important to monitor blood sugar levels to prevent them from forming or worsening.
Furthermore, people with diabetes may experience dry, itchy skin due to high blood sugar levels and poor circulation. This is more likely to occur on the lower legs. Fungal infections are also more common in people with diabetes and are typically characterised by itchy rashes surrounded by tiny red blisters and scales. These infections usually develop in warm, moist folds of the skin.
It is important to note that these skin changes can be warning signs of prediabetes or diabetes. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Skin cancer
It is important to see a doctor if you notice any new or changing marks on your skin that are causing you concern. Doctors have developed the "ABCDE" method of self-screening to help people identify potential melanoma skin cancer. The letters stand for Asymmetric, as mentioned above, Border (irregular), Colour (variegated), Diameter (larger than 6mm), and Evolving (changing over time).
If skin cancer is diagnosed, sometimes simple removal is all that is needed. Doctors use several procedures to address cancerous spots on the legs, including skin biopsies, cryotherapy, excisional surgery, and Mohs surgery. Nearly all skin cancers can be treated effectively if found early, so knowing what to look for and performing regular skin self-exams are important. Additionally, it is recommended to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, reapplying it after swimming or sweating, and to wear protective clothing, including items that cover your arms and legs, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
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Schamberg disease
The exact cause of Schamberg disease is unknown, but it is believed to be related to leaky blood vessels near the surface of the skin, specifically the capillaries. This allows red blood cells to escape and gather under the skin, where they break apart and release iron, which causes the rust-coloured discolouration. The cause of the capillary inflammation is typically unknown, but potential triggers include the body's inflammatory reaction to a viral infection, medication, or supplements. Other factors that may contribute to the disease include alcohol intake, drugs, genetics, and a dysfunctional immune system.
The disease is typically diagnosed by a dermatologist through a physical examination of the skin lesions and a review of the patient's medical history. A complete blood count and other blood tests may be ordered to rule out other bleeding disorders or skin conditions. While there is no known cure for Schamberg disease, it is not life-threatening and is mainly a cosmetic concern. Treatment options include topical steroids, phototherapy, oral antihistamines, and moisturising to reduce itching. Psychological support may also be necessary as the residual pigmentation can induce depression and anxiety in patients.
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Frequently asked questions
Skin that looks like plastic could be a sign of a skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris, which is characterised by small, painless bumps on the skin that look like goose bumps. It usually appears on the legs, arms, or buttocks.
Keratosis Pilaris is caused by excess keratin in the skin, which causes bumps to form around hair follicles. It is typically more common in babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers, and often worsens around puberty.
Keratosis Pilaris usually fades by age 30 and is harmless, so it typically doesn't need treatment. However, treating dry skin with a gentle skincare routine can help.
Yes, skin discoloration on the legs can occur due to various reasons, including skin conditions like psoriasis, sunburn, and vitiligo, or underlying health issues like poor circulation, diabetes, or venous insufficiency.
If you notice any skin changes or new growths, or if you experience any additional symptoms, you should consult a doctor. They will work to diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatments or refer you to a dermatologist.
