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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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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.
posted on Tue, 23 May 2017
Twitter Wed, 19 Sep 2018 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 21 Sep 2018 Last reviewed on
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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
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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