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Discoloured lower legs.

Tickerprobs profile image
62 Replies

Hello there you AF ers. Happy New Year to you all. I’ve hinted on this subject before but I wonder if there are many of you out there that suffer with lower-leg discolouration. In particular brown and red/blue shades. The skin on MY right shin area, heals very poorly. I’ve recently been to the surgery and the nurse cleaned up my lower shin, which I’d scuffed (very slightly) weeks/months ago. The doctor also took photos of the area , to send off to dermatologist. I’d be grateful for any input.

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Tickerprobs
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62 Replies
10gingercats profile image
10gingercats

Yes. I had this for a few years.The dermatologist at local hospital diagnosed it as Haemocidrin.....think I have the spelling correct. In my case lots of other leg issues followed that have only over Christmas been resolved vis AAU at the local hospital ....a long complex story only distantly related to the original diagnosis. Check your condition out with your GP.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to 10gingercats

Thanks a lot for that ginge. I personally believe it’s entirely down to circulatory issues. Possibly meds too.

PS.

You haven’t got 10 cats, surely. ‼️❓

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Tickerprobs

Hemosiderin...Yes I’ve read up on that GINGE. Very or ‘super interesting’ as they say these days. I thank you once more. Much appreciated.

10gingercats profile image
10gingercats in reply to Tickerprobs

I would say that since that diagnosis when I was also warned this MIGHT be the begin. of leg ulcers I have used E45,which I get on prescript. from my GP and use it absolutely twice a day.Put a lot on and gently massage into legs.I do not now have ulcers and my GP thinks this religiously applying of E45 has helped enormously.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to 10gingercats

Yes Ginge I’ve been using Hydromol cream, very slightly diluted with water (easier to apply). Back to docs for update on Monday and possible dermatologist involvement. CHEERS.

secondtry profile image
secondtry in reply to 10gingercats

May I ask what the E45 is supposed to do?

I have this issue due to a late diagnosed blood clot 20 years ago and I have stopped ulcers developing by daily walks, regular baths when I raise my leg up vertical to drain any fluid and putting my leg up whenever I am sitting and get chance. Any cuts etc are slow to heal but so far I have managed to contain the discolouration to a small area on the shin and no ulcers. I am aware my circulation is below average so I keep as active as I can during the day.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to secondtry

I am told it is to keep the skin from flaking and drying out, as does Hydromol.

10gingercats profile image
10gingercats in reply to secondtry

Yes. To stop skin drying out ....which for me over some years has proved very effective. I also raise legs but I am a pretty 'get up and go; person so this is less likely for me to do. I am active and walk well....no over weight problems.I know of others in my contempories who have not kept their lets creamed and have had ulcers.Yes. it is a circulatory problem but you do not have to accept that entirely if you try and help yourself with Docs. advice and improvements can be made.

secondtry profile image
secondtry in reply to Tickerprobs

Hemosiderin... interesting, never heard of this. In the past my ferritin levels have been too high (normal range 15-300, I was 285 in 2018) and my Naturopath wants then down to under 100 and offered blood letting (don't expect I can give blood as take Flecainide), evidently high iron is one of the contributory factors that can cause AF. Whilst I have really just some blue vein discolouration on my shin, I do have brown discolouration on the back of my neck. Any views welcome.

secondtry profile image
secondtry

Thanks for posting.

Hatten28 profile image
Hatten28

I enquired recently about discolouration and mauve / red patches and changes in the skin, it’s now very dry feels like paper not skin, a chiropodist saw my feet on a particularly bad day. I sent photos to the surgery on her advice and the doc wants me to have a Doplex test which I believe is to test the circulation in the lower legs. Also advised to wear compression socks which I do but not every day and my feet are not quite so bad, forgot to mention I also experienced stabbing sensations in my feet.This has started about 6 months after breaking my hip and having a replacement , I have type2 diabetics.

I still cannot walk unaided and get considerable pain from my good leg which does not make sense to me.

Recently diagnosed with osteoporosis, another string to my bow.

A word of advice don’t like me have an accident during-a pandemic. as after care is non exsistant, however I fully appreciate what has been done for me.

Glad to have a husband who can help a lot.

Getting very frustrated at my inability to help myself.

Sorry to rant hoping this year is better than the last two.

10gingercats profile image
10gingercats in reply to Hatten28

You did not mention creaming your legs. This is essential and at least twice daily . Smooth directly onto legs with washed clean hands ....us a copious amount that will be absorbed by skin quite quickly.

Hatten28 profile image
Hatten28 in reply to 10gingercats

Thanks for replying to my query, I do cream my legs but find it difficult to bend low down, so not as often as I should, my husband who has no leg problems apart from a bit of dryness creams his legs regularly, perhaps I could try enticing, bit late in the day I think!We use Double Base cream

10gingercats profile image
10gingercats in reply to 10gingercats

Briibe your husband to do it for you!This was a 'savings legs' activity for me....with .No day without twice creaming ...in my case with E45 ...a good dollop to each leg.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Hatten28

Yes Hatt ...I’ve had ‘the stabbing’ pains, which I think is caused by nerve damage, due to poor blood flow. Another thing I tend to experience, from time to time, is a sensation of extreme itchiness on the sole of my feet but it feels like the itchiness is deep inside the bone. Absolutely drives me nuts.

Hatten28 profile image
Hatten28 in reply to Tickerprobs

Thank you for your response, it’s good to know. We are not alone with some problems. Since wearing support socks my feet and lower legs have improved. The stabbing pains have subsided and thankfully I don’t get the itchy feet, but usually freezing cold.Having said all this when I get up in the morning my feet look quite normal.

Happy new year

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Hatten28

Maybe good advice would be, ‘not to get up’...Only joking but it’s worth a thought. Breakfast in bed, not to mention ‘lunch’ ‘tea’ and ‘supper’. Mind husband won’t be pleased. 😂

10gingercats profile image
10gingercats in reply to Hatten28

see my reply to you sent to myself in error!

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to Hatten28

Could the stabbing sensations be peripheral neuropathy due to the diabetes.? I am not diabetic but suffer from this and it can be very unpleasant. Are there perhaps exercises you could do to help improve leg circulation? I have just had a hip op and some of the exercises like foot flapping are to help circulation in the lower legs.

JuliaJa profile image
JuliaJa

It sounds like venous stasis. Pooling of blood in the veins. It causes erythema, scaling, weeping and crusting. Eventually results can include hyperpigmentation, ulceration, chronic edema. You can google it.

Hatten28 profile image
Hatten28 in reply to JuliaJa

Oh dear that sounds awful, hope it’s not that bad, it seems every time I visit the Docs I have a new complaint to deal with.Find that this hard as I have had a very healthy life until 20 years ago and since then I seem to be going through the alphabet.

Surprisingly I still have a positive outlook on life and enjoy a good laugh, don’t get too many these days. Thank you all for the feedback.

monsoon17 profile image
monsoon17

Hi. Thank-you for raising this question. I have swollen discoloured lower legs and feet. My skin does peel unless I cream them then they’re fine. My doctor suggested support socks but I’ve put off getting them, so now, having read all these comments I will get some so thank you. For the swelling I have been put on water tablets but they don’t work that well. Any advice out there?

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to monsoon17

Hi Monzy ...I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong but as far as I’m aware, it must be determined what is causing the poor blood flow. Is it a problem with the veins or the arteries. Apparently compression can be the wrong strategy to use, for one or the other. (DOPPLER TEST REQUIRED). At this point, a professor/expert, would come in handy.

Hatten28 profile image
Hatten28 in reply to monsoon17

Hello again, I notice you are uncertain wether to wear compression socks or not.My doc is arranging for me to have to duplex test, but it’s slow going at present.

Regarding the socks my doc wears them while working as sitting for long periods is not good for the circulation, I have been using the stockings given from the hospital after hip op, they have to be a correct fit, maybe try flight socks.

My feet and lower legs have been much better since wearing the support

Socks, however if I go out I leave them off unless wearing slacks..

I was also advised to not stand too long and to raise my legs while sitting.

Bit difficult trying to balance exercise for hip and resting my legs.

Will let you know when I get my test arranged

monsoon17 profile image
monsoon17

Thank you tickerprobs. I was thinking along those lines but I didn’t push for a test but I will do now before I buy those compression socks. It difficult to get to talk to a doctor at the moment but I will persist until I do. Thanks for advice.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs

Hey Ecto...Who are you relaying that question to❓

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Tickerprobs

If it’s me you’re questioning, I’m on 5mg of Bisoprolol (daily). Plus anti coags etc.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs

No Ecto...I don’t take that medication.

monsoon17 profile image
monsoon17

No I am not on diltiazem. But I did get a Doppler scan by Gp nurse and she said my results show good circulation. She also measured me up for the socks so a rare good visit. Thanks to everyone for help and advice given.

shipyard profile image
shipyard

Hi, tickerprobs,back again with yet another problem,

since being diagnosed with af two years past Sept 2019 I also have developed black and deep blue areas around both ankles and lower legs, my medication is amlodipine 5mg a day,

bisopr0lol 3.75 a day. edoxaban 30mg a day.

GP stopped amlodipine for 3 months but never made any difference to the leg and ankle condition also has developed a number of large protruding varicose veins. no leaking from affected areas, no further forward. any comments appreciated, thank you,

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to shipyard

Yes shipyard...I have similar (I think) sort of problem too. Dry skin on top of feet, slightly swollen right leg and ankle, plus light purple ish discolouration. Probably came on over the last couple of years. I’ve had permanent AF since late 2014. I’m on 5mg amlodipine and 10mg Lisinopril. Apart from anticoagulants, I’m also on 5mg bisoprolol. I was on 10mg amlodapine and was advised that a lower dosage may help with the fluid retention. I’ve got an appointment with dermatologist back end of April, in relation to discolouration and flaking skin on lower legs. EEEEE happy days. Is the Edoxaban for your heart rhythm ❓

shipyard profile image
shipyard in reply to Tickerprobs

Hi Tickerprobs. thanks again for another quick reply.My medication as following.

Edoxaban 60mg reduced to 30mg owing to discoloration of lower legs and ankles.

I believe this is an anti-coagulant. one a day

Amlodipine 5mg took me off them for 3 months but no improvement to discoloration

Bisoprolol 3,75mg. one a day

Tamsulosin 400mg for prostate. one a day

Esomeprazole 20mg. twice a day.

please keep in touch and take care

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to shipyard

Hey ship, we may have similar genes. I’m also on Tamsulosin 0.4mg and also Lanzoprazole 15mg. I don’t suppose you’ve got blue eyes and are rather good looking 😇. Have you found any improvement with the reduction of your anticoagulant (discolouration)

shipyard profile image
shipyard in reply to Tickerprobs

Hey again.yes blue eyes and still good looking therefore not too bad for an old age pensioner,

Reduced anticoagulant made very little difference to discoloration. this medication was also reduced owing to a blood test showing a low red cell blood count when GP prescribed a 3 month course of iron tablets,

How long have you been taking Tamsulosin? have you found the tablets benificial and do you have many trips to the bathroom ?

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to shipyard

Hi ship...Not too bad with visits during the day. Night time I’m up every three or four hours. Ya get fed up. Could sleep for England once upon a time. Been on Lanzoprazole for a few years. My main concern is my flaking skin and discolouration of the lower leg. I also have diabetes which contributes apparently. As I’ve said, I’m attending dermatologist late next month. Do you get any calf pain when walking. ?

shipyard profile image
shipyard in reply to Tickerprobs

Hey Tickerprobs.since starting wearing support stockings no pain in the lower legs.

Amlodipine instructions say that this tablet may cause frequent urination?

Have you had tests to try and determine frequency including your urine output over a 24 hour period? one can do this on their own using a suitable container with measurements marked on the side. also, record fluid intake and urine output over the 24 hour period. My output is around 3 liters with a fluid intake of 2,5 liters,

I had a turps operation of the prostate 15 years ago unsuccessful

Elli86 profile image
Elli86 in reply to shipyard

Stew can definitely help you out with the stockings ship 🚢 he’s got a few sets himself along with a wig, red lippy and a sports bra that he wears regularly. 😆

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Elli86

Ohh no the secrets out... Last time I’ll confide in you sweetie.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Tickerprobs

Yes ship, so many different meds can cause so many different side effects that you get a bit fed up trying to analyse what is causing what, if anything. You sometimes get to thinking...what will be will be.

shipyard profile image
shipyard in reply to Tickerprobs

some good news. over the past few days, I do see an improvement with leg discoloration. by the way have you had your first vaccine jab and any word as to when the 2nd due to take place? take care

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to shipyard

Yes ship had my first on 13:03:21... No news on second jab yet.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to shipyard

What about your jabs❓❓

shipyard profile image
shipyard in reply to Tickerprobs

Yes. first jab 23rd jan. 2nd jab on 17th April

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to shipyard

Ahh well good luck with that ship.

Hatten28 profile image
Hatten28

Hello Tickerprobs, just going through my mail and found this from you, have recently been diagnosed as vascular dermatitis on lower legs.Have to be very careful not to break the skin and apply cream liberally daily, if not I find my skin sloughing off in loads.

Also to wear flight socks or special ones ordered on prescription, this encourages the blood to flow back better, since doing all this my feet have slimmed down and skin looks better but cannot remove the discolouration.

Luckily a pair of tights covers a host of blemishes.

I know this is late but hope it helps.

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Hatten28

Hey Hatty...thanks for your message and glad improvements are happening for you. I was told by, can’t remember who, that mine could be dermatitis. I’m visiting the dermatologist on 26th of this month, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Can I ask what sort of cream you use. This condition is getting me down a little but must struggle on I suppose. I’ll let you know the outcome of the dermatologist appointment. Take care.

Hatten28 profile image
Hatten28 in reply to Tickerprobs

Hello again, seems we all get a different diagnosis, my doctor did not seem unduly concerned about the condition.The cream I use is called double base, it costs about £10 , I find it good, if you buy some I find it best applied while the skin is still damp, but not necessary, good luck

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Hatten28

Thanks Hatt

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply to Tickerprobs

Hi Ticker was wondering how you got in with your consultation about your legs ? Hope you are ok

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Peony4575

Ahh ...Thanks P but my appointment with dermatology isn’t due until tomorrow. Just to let you know that I have, apart from the discolouration of the legs, recently developed, what appears to me to be hives around the same vicinity and further up my legs. Also just in recent days and weeks I have been suffering with extra itchiness all over but especially the legs, with nettle type stings thrown in for good measure. Consequently I’ve been thinking that my leg condition was worsening. I’ve had a terrible past couple of anxious weeks.

Now having researched here there and everywhere, I’m almost totally convinced that the development of this hives looking condition, Is a reaction to my first jab, which I was given three weeks before the onset of this extra add on to my original leg problems. Take care.

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575

I feared you had gone quiet because you were having a bad time. Am extremely sorry to hear that it sounds horrible. Am sure your GP has been in the ball and checked your sugar isn’t high and your liver function tests are within limits, I have friends who suffered widespread itching due to both of those reasons . I hope the dermatologist can point you in the direction of someone who can help. Please let us know how you get on .

I have my next jab next weekend really not looking forward to it as was poorly last time but looking at those poor people in India have got to go. You take care I hope you get some answers and some help tomorrow. Thinking about you

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply to Peony4575

Ianp66

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Peony4575

Well P...I sincerely appreciate your good wishes. I’ve had many blood tests and everything reads ‘spot on’. I’m told that my blood sugars are near enough to normal.

My GP says that “going by my blood results, in theory I should be going to Tokyo Olympics”.

Historically, I’ve been all for the vaccine but after recent events, I may have to reconsider my position on the issue. Can’t tell you how low I’ve felt, until I clasped onto the idea that the jab may have been partially to blame. XX.

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply to Tickerprobs

Well if they can get your legs sorted then it’s Tokyo here you come ! Excellent news on the blood tests . I have an open mind regarding vaccine effects . I was really rough after my first. My friend ( since we were 11 !) had hers and two weeks later out of the blue developed Type 1 diabetes . Took a couple of weeks for people to realise what was happening and get her into hospital where she was told two more days and she would have been dead . The doctors told her it wasn’t the vaccine just a coincidence . She had breast cancer and finished chemo 18 months before and chemo increases the chance of developing diabetes particularly in the first two years . May be it was a coincidence but no one put a yellow card in so she won’t appear in any statistics

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Peony4575

Yes P...without sounding like a conspiracy theorist, I’m wondering if things are being kept under wraps, for obvious reasons. I spotted an article online about a lady from Edinburgh who suffered with a reaction on her legs (which was horrendous)...she was later advised not to have the second jab. I suppose it’s all about the numbers game‼️‼️‼️

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply to Tickerprobs

The needs of the many outweigh the problems of the few to misquote Mr Spock . You must do what is best for you Ticker. Please let me know how you get on tomorrow I will be sending good vibes x

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Peony4575

Hey P...I can feel those vibes coming through as we speak. Thankyou ❤️. Talking of Mr Spock...he had the second jab and he turned into a Vulcan, complete with pointed ears. 🦻

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply to Tickerprobs

I could do with being more logical 🙂 And the pointy ears would be a definite advantage in securing my mask it’s windy here on the northern coasts . I will await developments with interest and report back ! Keep picking up those good vibrations !🤟❤️

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Peony4575

Where would those northern coasts be❓

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply to Tickerprobs

Wirral am almost a scouser

Tickerprobs profile image
Tickerprobs in reply to Peony4575

Ahh well P... we’ve all got our crosses to bear. Apart from not being keen on North Eastern twang, which is where I was born, I also don’t particularly like Hmmmmm Liverpudlian and especially Brummy dialects👎 Please DON’T hold that against me with the positive vibes though. XX

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply to Tickerprobs

I won’t don’t worry . They are not musical I grant you lol 😆

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