What is skin pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation is characterized by blotches or patches of skin discoloration. Many men and women who suffer from conditions like venous insufficiency or venous stasis dermatitis notice changes in the skin around their veins, and skin pigmentation is sometimes an indicator of serious issues.
What are the signs of vein damage or disease?
Chronic venous insufficiency, which means your vein valves aren't working properly, allows blood to pool in your lower legs. It can cause symptoms including:
- Enlarged veins (varicose veins)
- Water retention causing swelling in your lower legs and feet
- Achy legs
- Heavy feeling legs
- Itchy legs
- Restless legs, especially at night
- Leg cramps
- Sores or ulcers (venous ulcers) that don't heal
- Tough, thickened skin on your legs
- Shiny leg skin
When chronic venous insufficiency isn’t treated, you can develop venous stasis dermatitis. In this condition, you develop discolored pigmentation, known as hemosiderin deposits, on your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Hemosiderin is a pigment that comes from the breakdown of hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in your red blood cells. Usually, the resulting skin pigmentation is brownish, reddish, or a dark bronze shade.
Although you can develop some skin pigmentation with chronic venous insufficiency, significant skin changes and dramatic pigmentation are usually an indicator that you’re now dealing with venous stasis dermatitis.
What should I do if my feet, ankles, or legs change in color?
If your feet, ankles, or legs develop discolored blotches, or if large swaths of skin grow significantly darker, it's important to schedule an evaluation at Dallas Vein Institute as soon as possible. If chronic venous insufficiency and venous stasis dermatitis aren’t treated, you could end up with deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms, nonhealing ulcers, and other very dangerous problems.
How do you treat pigmentation caused by vein disease?
At Dallas Vein Institute, you start with a comprehensive exam and diagnosis using state-of-the-art equipment. Your testing typically includes a pulse check, blood pressure check, vascular ultrasound, and other advanced diagnostic procedures.
Dallas Vein Institute offers customized care depending on your diagnosis. It’s important to treat the underlying cause, the damaged veins. Some of the different treatment options can include:
- Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy
- ClosureFast™ thermal vein closure
- VenaSeal™
- Microphlebectomy
You may also benefit from lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, minimizing sodium intake, and increasing your activity level.
With help from Dallas Vein Institute, you can eliminate skin pigmentation and enjoy life without vein disease. Call the office or book your consultation with the online scheduler today.
