Dark skin around ankles. When severe, blisters and ulcers may also occur.

Dark skin around ankles While many instances are benign and resolve without intervention, this change in skin tone can signal underlying conditions that require prompt medical evaluation. Ankle Discoloration / Stasis Dermatitis Stasis dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease that occurs on the lower extremities (see the image above). That is why it should be considered a red flag for something more serious and should be taken seriously. See full list on mdveins. Aug 14, 2024 · Skin discoloration on feet and ankles is a cosmetic concern and a sign of an underlying health issue. Ankles turning brown or black can indicate a common vein condition called venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency. Our team of experts at Vascular Specialists routinely Aug 26, 2024 · Understanding Ankle Discoloration Ankle discoloration is a common issue that can signal underlying health concerns. It’s caused by blood leaking out of the tiny vessels called capillaries. Venous stasis can occur due to injury, surgery or poor circulation, and it can indicate the presence of life-threatening blood clots in the deep veins. Read this post to find out. So, our article will dive into discoloration meaning, why it happens, and how you can Ankle discoloration, or darkened or reddened skin around the ankles, is a condition that can be an important marker for underlying venous health conditions. Ankle discoloration is a common sign of a vascular issue that involves the veins in the legs, and it’s a symptom that warrants further investigation. Itchy ankles can be caused by irritants (such as cloth, rubber, or chemicals), allergens (such as pollen, poison ivy, or metals), skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, fungal infections, and immune system issues. Aug 6, 2025 · Ankle discoloration is more than just a change in skin tone; it can be your body’s way of signaling that something deeper is going on, especially with your circulation. Aug 26, 2024 · Will the Brown Splotches on My Legs and Ankles Go Away? Hemosiderin staining occurs when blood leaks from tiny vessels under the skin, leaving behind brown or rust-colored patches. Bolotin has the facts on what's causing the discoloration and how to remedy it. Know about 15 best home remedies for dark ankles that can help you combat the issue. Ankle discoloration is one of the common symptoms of chronic vein insufficiency (CVI), meaning the circulation in your lower extremities may be compromised. That pressure can lead to dark, reddish, brown patches, swelling, and skin ulcers. Wondering what the reason for this could be. Diagnostic evaluation includes lower extremity venous color duplex ultrasound and sometimes other imaging such as CT or MRI scans specially performed to evaluate the veins of the legs, pelvis, or abdomen. This is often linked to chronic venous conditions, where poor circulation allows iron from red blood cells to accumulate in the skin. Consequently, skin pigmentation changes may occur, especially around the ankles. Ankle discoloration is a very common problem. Dec 15, 2024 · Are you noticing your ankles becoming darker? While many mistake it for skin discoloration or dermatological issues, the real culprit is located a little deeper than surface-level conditions. The The skin may become itchy, scaly, and darkened, especially around the ankles and lower legs. However, sometimes the reason for this dark skin on ankles is not the heat. As a result, iron pigments from your blood accumulate in the skin, causing dark hyperpigmentation. Edema (leg swelling) leads to discolored, dry, cracked, and itchy skin. How does peripheral artery disease cause ankle discoloration? May 5, 2025 · Struggling with dark ankles caused by dryness, friction, or poor circulation? Discover effective home remedies to lighten dark ankles and restore smooth, even-toned skin naturally. With skin discoloration, staining occurs after blood pools in the lower legs. 2 Usually this discolored skin is thicker than normal, hard, scaly and has a constant itch, pain and/or swelling. Trauma or Injury: Injuries to the ankle area can lead to bruising and discoloration as blood collects under the skin. The good news is that understanding the causes can lead to effective treatments. When severe, blisters and ulcers may also occur. com Recently, however, you’ve noticed a curious discoloration around your ankles, and your skin is darkening in these areas. This causes dark patches to form on the skin, particularly around the ankles. The rash may be limited to your ankles or affect other parts of your body. The most common cause is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where blood doesn’t flow properly back to your heart through the veins. When hemoglobin breaks down, it leaves behind deposits of a pigment called hemosiderin. While often benign, it may serve as a sign of a potentially severe underlying medical condition that need medical intervention. 2 It’s also possible for there to be blisters, oozing or crusting Skin discoloration on the legs is a common issue that can be caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Jul 24, 2024 · Causes of redness or rash on lower legs range from allergies, to eczema and psoriasis, to infections like cellulitis. The most common sign of stasis dermatitis is abnormal skin color around the ankles, shins or lower legs, which can appear red to brown, depending on your skin tone. I have a cut on my ankle and it has a pocket of pus in the middle as well as a dark red circle around the bare skin. Mar 22, 2019 · The Causes of Skin Discoloration On Ankles (Brown Skin) by Admin | Mar 22, 2019 | Blog | Discoloration in the legs is not something that commonly occurs, especially in the absence of injury. Hemosiderin Staining: When red blood cells break down under the skin due to leaking veins, they release iron in the form of hemosiderin. Venous stasis dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs when blood pools in the lower legs. I do this and have a dark and thick skin below my ankle! can that be the cause and not some serious conditions? Jun 20, 2023 · What Is The Outlook For Itchy Ankles? Itchy ankles and rash on ankles are generally minor problems that resolve on their own. If you’ve noticed changes in the color of your skin around the ankles, understanding the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential. The most common cause of ankle discoloration is a vein condition called venous reflux. There are many reasons why your skin may undergo hyperpigmentation. Because of the inflammation, the skin around the ankles is usually itchy and discolored. Stasis dermatitis is skin irritation and breakdown due to the fluid accumulating under the skin. In venous stasis dermatitis, the skin of the ankles and lower legs may look thin or tissue-like. Some of these causes are temporary. Venous stasis causes pooling red blood cells to stain the skin of the ankles from the inside out, creating reddish or brown patches on the ankles, according to Dr. This pigment forms when the blood’s hemoglobin breaks down, and it builds up in the tissues. Darkened or reddish-brown patches of skin are commonly seen in CVI, along with other symptoms such as leg Dark spots on legs or skin discoloration can occur for a variety of reasons. Schedule a consultation today to restore healthy skin tone. Apr 11, 2023 · Spots on your legs, area of velvety skin, or a sudden bumpy rash can all be signs of diabetes. Oct 15, 2025 · Stasis dermatitis is a chronic skin rash caused by pooling of fluid in the lower legs. Apr 23, 2025 · From vein disease to sun damage, skin discoloration on legs has many causes. The blood pools under the skin Aug 15, 2025 · Why are my ankles dark? Learn the top causes of brown ankle discoloration and the best ways to treat and prevent it. At the same time, you may also notice shiny, scaly, or thickened skin and persistent dryness and itchiness. Sep 18, 2025 · Overview – reddish / darker skin staining above the ankle Changes to your normal skin tone on the lower legs, normally above the ankles, which may present as darker skin staining (haemosiderin ). When red blood cells break down in the tissues due to blood pooling, iron from the cells deposits in the skin, causing a brownish or dark hue. Why Are My Feet Purple? Oct 30, 2024 · Diabetes and Its Impact on Ankle Discoloration: People with diabetes suffer from high blood sugar and poor circulation, which often damages blood vessels and leads to diabetic dermopathy. It often appears as dark patches or a purplish hue on the skin around the ankles. 3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers A member asked: Sock-line hyperpigmentation shows itself via thin, raised lesions, marks or rings around a person's ankles or calves. If the skin on your ankles starts to change color, it can be concerning. It is a skin sign of chronic venous insufficiency with venous hypertension and may be a precursor to more problematic conditions, such as venous leg ulceration. They’re often early indicators of vein disease — a condition that progresses quietly but can have serious consequences if ignored. Stasis dermatitis how to remove dark ankles,get rid of dark ankles,how to remove black spots from legs,how to remove dark spots on legs,ankles black spot remover,how to remove black marks on legs,how to remove Jun 25, 2024 · An ankle rash is a symptom of many health conditions. That’s something our team does at Vascular Specialists in Tinley Park, Illinois, and Munster If you’ve noticed that the skin on your ankles is becoming darker or discolored, it’s normal to wonder why. While it might seem harmless, ankle discoloration can be linked to various medical conditions that require attention. Dec 12, 2023 · Dark ankles can give you really embarrassing moments. Hemosiderin staining appears as yellow or brown stains on your body when iron is stored Jan 4, 2022 · A dark spot that appears on the ankles and lower legs might not seem like something to worry about, but it could be a sign that you have developed vein disease. Itchy Are you struggling with leg discoloration in New Jersey, Maryland, or Virginia? Our expert treatment options address causes like poor circulation, venous insufficiency, and skin conditions. Jan 7, 2025 · What causes ankle discoloration, and what can you do about it? If you've been avoiding skirts and shorts because of the color of your ankles, Dr. Ankle discoloration usually refers to a dark, reddish-brown discoloration that occurs when high venous pressure forces blood out of the tiny vessels near your ankles. Unusual Skin Texture: Itchy, scaly skin on the legs is abnormal and could indicate dermatological conditions or poor blood flow. Learn about how vein disease can cause dark spots and discoloration to appear on the ankles and lower legs. Ankle discoloration typically develops as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin in your blood that develops when you have venous disease. According to the British Journal of Dermatology, the hyperpigmentation (which is when the skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin) may fade over time, but it usually causes permanent scarring. Feb 6, 2025 · Itchy ankles may be a symptom of many different issues, including dry skin, an allergic reaction, a bacterial or fungal infection, and underlying health conditions. You may slowly get brown stains on the skin. Now, in the area just above the break, the skin on my leg has turned a dark color, like a bruise. Thick skin on ankle bone is due to various things including environmental factors and few medical conditions. Treatment includes leg elevation, compression and medication. Ankle discoloration is often a sign of venous insufficiency. If your ankle looks darker, it can be your first warning sign that you need to address vein issues. Started using scrubs weekly and wearing comfortable footwear, it faded away in a few months. Feb 14, 2023 · Ankle discoloration may be a sign of a more significant health risk linked to vein disease. Aug 30, 2014 · Is there anyway to get rid of the brown discoloration on my ankles and lower leg due to venous stasis?The brownish discoloration that occurs around the ankles and lower leg secondary to venous stasis is a result of long standing venous insufficiency and there is no short term fix. Venous reflux is where the valves in The discoloration may change to red or brown around your ankles and lower legs due to hemosiderin. Symptoms of Lipodermatosclerosis are: Pain in legs and ankles Skin thickening and hardening around varicose veins Changes in skin color Skin takes on a leathery texture Swelling of legs and ankles Leg ulcers Legs tapering above the ankles Outside of medical intervention, there is little you can do on your own to treat the skin discoloration. Causes Jan 22, 2022 · What are those dark spots on the top of my feet and ankles? Those spots that appear dark purplish or sometimes even brownish may be due to a condition called venous stasis dermatitis. Read on for symptoms, causes and treatment options for 2023. An ankle rash often appears as raised pinkish or red bumps that form in Changes in Skin Color: Pay attention to any darkening or reddening of the skin, particularly around the ankles. It is identified by dark pigmentation around the ankles, but sometimes persistent redness in the lower Oct 30, 2024 · October 30, 2024 by Education Ankle discoloration is more than a cosmetic concern—it can be a sign of underlying health conditions that require medical attention. The skin may become irritated or crack if you scratch it. The marks are usually red and oftentimes look like burns. In addition to itchiness, affected skin may be red, scaly, and inflamed. David Arkin, writing for Podiatry Network 1. May 29, 2025 · Skin discoloration on your lower legs or ankles isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can be a warning sign of something deeper going on with your circulation. It doesn’t seem to be going away. Apr 21, 2025 · Changes in the color or texture of the skin on your lower legs are not just signs of aging. Happened to me when I was used to wearing tighter footwear and putting a lot of pressure on my ankle (was into sports and heavy workouts). . This could be a sign of advanced venous insufficiency. Have ankle or lower leg discoloration? Stasis Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease causing brown ankle skin that can develop ulcers. It is a sign of chronic venous insufficiency and may result in further complications such as vascular leg ulceration if left unattended. The color change is a visual representation of biological processes beneath the skin, primarily involving blood products and The most common cause of dark discoloration around the ankles is hemosiderin staining. In most cases, hard brown ankle skin and ankle discoloration is a sign of long standing vein problems - also known as venous insufficiency. Jan 2, 2023 · Dear Doctors: I broke my ankle about 18 months ago. Doesn’t matter if it’s a sudden appearance or something you’ve noticed over time; feet discoloration can be worrying. Apr 27, 2025 · Hemosiderin staining usually happens on the lower leg, near the ankles, or on your feet. Ankle discoloration refers to any alterations in the skin color around the ankle. Symptoms of chronic venous hypertension may include swelling, pain, tenderness, venous stasis skin changes, or venous leg ulcers. Is there anything I can do to lighten this up? Do you think that laser therapy could help? Dear Reader: You have described a condition known as “hemosiderin staining. Treatment of stasis dermatitis involves decreasing edema in the legs, practicing good skin care, and taking preventive action. Why are my ankles turning brown? What the heck is going on? If you have noticed the skin on your lower leg getting browner than it used to be, you’re not alone. The good news is that the underlying problem is easy to fix. It may be a sign of a skin problem, infection, or systemic condition like an autoimmune disease. This is likely to be caused by venous hypertension. To relieve itchiness, you need to address the cause. Uncover what's behind your symptoms and effective solutions for relief. If you’ve noticed the skin around your ankles becoming darker, reddish-brown, or even purplish, it may be an early warning sign of an underlying vascular issue. If you experience persistent ankle discoloration, particularly in combination with pain, numbness, or coldness in your extremities, don’t brush it off. There are several lightening agents available such as hydroquinolone, bag balm (contains hydroquinolone) and some Oct 6, 2017 · Use home remedies to get rid of dark ankles. The appearance of dark, often black, blue, or deep purple discoloration around the ankle can be unsettling. Read more. ” The term refers to areas of discolored Also known as reflux disease and venous hypertension, stasis dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease that occurs in the lower part of the body. Stasis is a term used to describe leg swelling seen in conditions of poor circulation and fluid buildup. Apr 4, 2024 · The skin around or above your ankles looks reddish on lighter skin tones or brown, purple, gray, or ashen on darker skin tones Varicose veins, which look twisted, bulging, and dark purple or blue This can cause the skin around the ankles to turn dark due to insufficient oxygen and nutrient delivery. What Causes Discoloration in the Legs? Jun 17, 2024 · Stasis Dermatitis Dermatitis is a term used to describe irritation of the skin with scaling, rough or dry skin, redness, itching, and sometimes oozing, crusting, and erosions. At first glance, you might assume the discoloration is due to Dark skin patches are common in people who live in extremely hot and humid regions. CVI is a condition characterized by poor blood circulation, leading to blood pooling in the leg veins. Feb 26, 2018 · Hemosiderin, a protein that stores iron in your body, can accumulate under your skin and in major organs. Learn about symptoms and treatments. Reduced blood flow can lead to skin discoloration, especially in the ankle area.