
Red Discoloration Around Ankle, Pitting Edema. Not Contact Dermatitis. Can You Help Direct Me If This Is A Medical Concern?

Thanks for posting your query.
Your symptoms are more suggestive of a systemic cause rather than a skin problem only as it is associated with swelling and varies with salt intake.
Most commonly it is associated with oral pills intake.
Other causes can be kidney disease, arthritis, high altitude and pregnancy. Are you taking some medicines like laxatives? Abusing these drugs can also cause such symptoms.
You should follow these lifestyle measures to alleviate the symptoms:
1) Increase muscle activity with walking, avoid standing in place for long periods of time and avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
2) Limit salt intake and stop taking any laxatives (if you are taking them).
3) Elevate the legs when sitting and wear leg wedges while sleeping, support socks and proper fitting shoes and socks.
4) Keep your fluid intake adequate by taking plenty of fluids.
5) If you are taking any birth control pills then get an immediate evaluation from a physician.
6) You can take diuretic pills after consulting your doctor.
If the symptoms persist then I suggest you an immediate physician consultation. You need to get blood tests, kidney function tests, electrolyte levels, ECG and stress ECHO, venous Doppler of the legs and urine tests done.
I hope this answers your query effectively.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.


Thanks for writing again.
A uniform redness only confined to the feet does need to be investigated to detect any vascular abnormalities or systemic pathology. Yes, it is unusual and most probably indicates a vascular lesion. It is more preferable that you visit a vascular surgeon, get a Doppler study of the blood flow in your lower limbs and arrive at a confirmed diagnosis.
Hope I answered all your questions. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries. Wish you Good Health.
Regards,

Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
