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How To Get The Discolouration On The Foot Treated After Fracture?
Question: Hi, may I answer your health queries right now ? Please type your query here...I am a 62 yr. old female undergoing cancer treatment for metastatic ovarian cancer. Cancer is shrinking, treatment is going well this is not my issue. I had 3 stress fractures in my left foot and it was very slow to heal. During that time I experienced swelling for an extended period in that foot. The swelling is gone but the skin is discolored from the edema on the upper part of my foot and ankle. How do I get the discoloration to go away? There is no broken skin, rash, or lesions....just a darkened foot. Most unattractive. thanks
Hi!Cat ,
Thank you for the query,
The most common reason for pigmentation to develop is edema of the leg.This is a post inflammatory pigmentation following swelling of leg.During edema what happens is there is stasis of blood and lymph,which then gradually leads to pigmentation.
Another remote reason ,if I've to say would be use of anti cancer drugs which may also lead to pigmentation(but this seems to be unlikely in your case).
At times this pigmentation might gradually lead to eczema over the lesion ,called stasis eczema .
Treatment would consist of ample use of moisturizers and once daily use of a mild potent steroid cream .If there is no inflammation then you can even use a hydroquinone based cream at night.If the area is exposed to sunlight then use a sun blocking agent too in day time.Try keep your leg elevated while sleeping (keeping two pillow below leg) and avoid standing for long.
I hope there is no itching or burning sensation over the lesion.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr.Chawda
Thank you for the query,
The most common reason for pigmentation to develop is edema of the leg.This is a post inflammatory pigmentation following swelling of leg.During edema what happens is there is stasis of blood and lymph,which then gradually leads to pigmentation.
Another remote reason ,if I've to say would be use of anti cancer drugs which may also lead to pigmentation(but this seems to be unlikely in your case).
At times this pigmentation might gradually lead to eczema over the lesion ,called stasis eczema .
Treatment would consist of ample use of moisturizers and once daily use of a mild potent steroid cream .If there is no inflammation then you can even use a hydroquinone based cream at night.If the area is exposed to sunlight then use a sun blocking agent too in day time.Try keep your leg elevated while sleeping (keeping two pillow below leg) and avoid standing for long.
I hope there is no itching or burning sensation over the lesion.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr.Chawda
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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