Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Brown Discoloration Of Legs With Shiny Texture?

I am an 80 year old white male, 5 ft 8 in, 175 lbs. Both of my ankles half way up my legs are a dark brown color, skin is shiny. No pain, but just curious what would have caused this condition. Has been this way for quite some time. Seems to be more prominent during warm months when I am doing yard work. I still mow my one-half acre with a powered push mower, ground is mostly level. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Fri, 21 Sep 2018
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

It is a single, red, dry, oval patch. Also, seems a bit scaly.

Clinical possibilities for a red, scaly, oval patch such as this are either discoid dermatitis, tinea (fungal infection), herald patch of pityriasis rosea or Bowen's disease.

I won't consider actinic keratosis (AKs) as my first possibility. AKs are more common on sun-exposed skin and are usually seen on a background of sun damaged skin. AKs are usually multiple rather than a single patch. This is most likely a patch of discoid dermatitis.

I would suggest you try a topical steroid cream, e.g. Mometasone Furoate cream.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein,
General Surgeon
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Brown Discoloration Of Legs With Shiny Texture?

Hi, It is a single, red, dry, oval patch. Also, seems a bit scaly. Clinical possibilities for a red, scaly, oval patch such as this are either discoid dermatitis, tinea (fungal infection), herald patch of pityriasis rosea or Bowen s disease. I won t consider actinic keratosis (AKs) as my first possibility. AKs are more common on sun-exposed skin and are usually seen on a background of sun damaged skin. AKs are usually multiple rather than a single patch. This is most likely a patch of discoid dermatitis. I would suggest you try a topical steroid cream, e.g. Mometasone Furoate cream. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon