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What Is Schamberg's Disease?
Question: I have Schamberg's Disease and no nothing about it. Please explain about it, what to take our due about it. Dr did tell me much about it.
Brief Answer:
Schamberg's disease management
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
Schamberg's disease is a condition which causes pigmented, rust colored tiny spots on the lower limbs and rarely the upper limbs.
It usually starts on the ankles and spreads upwards.
It could be asymptomatic or could cause occasional itching.
It is more commonly seen in individuals whose job involves/involved prolonged standing. But it could be seen in other individuals also.
The exact cause for this condition is not known. It is postulated that due to prolonged increase in the venous pressure, the blood seeps out of the blood vessels and the blood pigment (called hemosiderin) deposits around the skin. This causes the rust colored spots.
Since hemosiderin is not a normal component of the skin, the body thinks of it as a foreign object which could sometimes cause itching.
Schamberg's disease does not cause any harm to the body. It does not have internal organ involvement.
It generally spares the face.
The only problem with this condition is that it can look unappealing and is of cosmetic concern. In some individuals, it could cause occasional itching.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this condition.
Vitamin C at the dosage of 1000 mg per day has shown some improvement in controlling the appearance of newer rashes. You could try to include Vitamin C rich foods in your diet like citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, guava, gooseberry,etc.
You could apply a mild corticosteroid cream like hydrocortisone cream twice a day on the itchy lesions for 10-15 days.
Keep the hands and legs moisturized well by applying a moisturizer twice a day. At 85 years of age, the skin becomes dry and this also could contribute to the itching.
Have bath with lukewarm water and use minimal soap to prevent dryness.
Even if left alone, it will not harm you in any way. Since there is no effective treatment, we generally advise the patients to leave it alone.
Hope I have provided with enough information.
If you have any other queries, I will be glad to answer.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Schamberg's disease management
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
Schamberg's disease is a condition which causes pigmented, rust colored tiny spots on the lower limbs and rarely the upper limbs.
It usually starts on the ankles and spreads upwards.
It could be asymptomatic or could cause occasional itching.
It is more commonly seen in individuals whose job involves/involved prolonged standing. But it could be seen in other individuals also.
The exact cause for this condition is not known. It is postulated that due to prolonged increase in the venous pressure, the blood seeps out of the blood vessels and the blood pigment (called hemosiderin) deposits around the skin. This causes the rust colored spots.
Since hemosiderin is not a normal component of the skin, the body thinks of it as a foreign object which could sometimes cause itching.
Schamberg's disease does not cause any harm to the body. It does not have internal organ involvement.
It generally spares the face.
The only problem with this condition is that it can look unappealing and is of cosmetic concern. In some individuals, it could cause occasional itching.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this condition.
Vitamin C at the dosage of 1000 mg per day has shown some improvement in controlling the appearance of newer rashes. You could try to include Vitamin C rich foods in your diet like citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, guava, gooseberry,etc.
You could apply a mild corticosteroid cream like hydrocortisone cream twice a day on the itchy lesions for 10-15 days.
Keep the hands and legs moisturized well by applying a moisturizer twice a day. At 85 years of age, the skin becomes dry and this also could contribute to the itching.
Have bath with lukewarm water and use minimal soap to prevent dryness.
Even if left alone, it will not harm you in any way. Since there is no effective treatment, we generally advise the patients to leave it alone.
Hope I have provided with enough information.
If you have any other queries, I will be glad to answer.
Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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