Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
My Mother Has A Skin Condition Where Dark Patches Appear To Be Spreading On Both Sides Of The Leg
Question: Hi,
My mother has a skin condition where dark patches appear to be spreading on both sides of the leg.
The initial condition was said to be eczema by the GP. However, the patches caused by eczema have been getting darker.
Background history is that 15 lymph nodes have been removed and both knees have severe arthritis with serious movement restriction. There is lymphedema in the right arm which has swollen more concurrently with the appearance of the darker patches. What could be the cause of the condition? I have attached pictures of the legs where the patches appear.
Thank you.
My mother has a skin condition where dark patches appear to be spreading on both sides of the leg.
The initial condition was said to be eczema by the GP. However, the patches caused by eczema have been getting darker.
Background history is that 15 lymph nodes have been removed and both knees have severe arthritis with serious movement restriction. There is lymphedema in the right arm which has swollen more concurrently with the appearance of the darker patches. What could be the cause of the condition? I have attached pictures of the legs where the patches appear.
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Stasis dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and photographs.
She has developed stasis dermatitis.
It is secondary to varicose veins. She has dilated veins in her legs which is leading to movement of blood out of blood vessels and causing these patches.
Apply moisturizer and give her mid thigh stockings to wear.
This will help her.
For further treatment of varicose veins you can meet a vascular surgeon.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Stasis dermatitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query and photographs.
She has developed stasis dermatitis.
It is secondary to varicose veins. She has dilated veins in her legs which is leading to movement of blood out of blood vessels and causing these patches.
Apply moisturizer and give her mid thigh stockings to wear.
This will help her.
For further treatment of varicose veins you can meet a vascular surgeon.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for your opinion and advice.
I would just like to confirm that stasis dermatitis can lead to the red patches developing some distance from what appears to be surface venous involvement which looks like it is causing an eczema-like condition.
I understand my mother is a bit allergic as well to the compression stockings. Are there maybe non-allergic options for stockings?
Is Vaseline or maybe horse oil a good option to use to apply to the legs?
Thank you.
Thank you for your opinion and advice.
I would just like to confirm that stasis dermatitis can lead to the red patches developing some distance from what appears to be surface venous involvement which looks like it is causing an eczema-like condition.
I understand my mother is a bit allergic as well to the compression stockings. Are there maybe non-allergic options for stockings?
Is Vaseline or maybe horse oil a good option to use to apply to the legs?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Varicose veins
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
Varicose veins are visible from anywhere between thigh till ankle however the stagnation of blood can happen at any place hence a patch may be visible where dilated vein is not visible.
It would be better to get a color doppler of leg veins done, this would show exact status of veins.
Hypoallergenic stockings are available.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you
Varicose veins
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up.
Varicose veins are visible from anywhere between thigh till ankle however the stagnation of blood can happen at any place hence a patch may be visible where dilated vein is not visible.
It would be better to get a color doppler of leg veins done, this would show exact status of veins.
Hypoallergenic stockings are available.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Saisudha Kotla
Dear Dr. XXXXXXX
Thank you for the advice.
My mother has applied sorbolene and the condition appears to have improved as seen on the attached photos.
I will forward your advice.
Thank you again.
Regards.
Thank you for the advice.
My mother has applied sorbolene and the condition appears to have improved as seen on the attached photos.
I will forward your advice.
Thank you again.
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Improved
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up and photographs.
It appears to be improving.
She can continue with the medication.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you
Improved
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up and photographs.
It appears to be improving.
She can continue with the medication.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
