Noticing changes in your skin color might cause alarm, especially if you have never experienced it before. If skin discoloration occurs in your legs, it might indicate that your vascular system is inefficient. When you notice any sign of skin discoloration El Paso, contact your healthcare provider for examination and possible treatment.
After examination and an accurate diagnosis, your doctor can provide you with a treatment plan depending on the cause of the discoloration.
Causes
Skin discoloration usually occurs due to problems regarding your veins. The following are common vein issues that might lead to skin discoloration.
Chronic venous insufficiency
When your vein valves do not close all the way and vein walls are weak; blood will pool in your legs, leading to swelling.
Superficial venous thrombosis
If you have a blood clot near the surface of your skin, you can experience skin discoloration because the clot blocks the transportation of blood.
Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis refers to a blood clot that occurs within a deep vein in your body. It can lead to blockages causing skin discoloration if the affected tissues do not get enough blood. If the blood clot breaks off, the aftermath can be fatal.
Varicose and spider veins
Varicose veins are large twisted veins that affect blood circulation in your legs. They can cause aching, pain, or discomfort. Spider veins are miniature versions of varicose veins.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease is a vascular disorder that occurs when your arteries are narrowed, affecting blood circulation. It occurs due to plaque buildup in your arteries and causes symptoms such as leg coldness, numbness, and a weak pulse in your legs.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Your doctor will perform a physical examination and might order a vascular ultrasound to examine your veins. Once they have a clear picture of your problem, they will provide treatment accordingly. The following are common treatment options for skin discoloration in your legs.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes will touch on your daily habits, including your level of physical activity and diet. Your doctor can recommend increasing your daily exercise to promote blood circulation. Your diet should include heart-healthy foods that are unprocessed and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. You might also wear compression stockings to reduce leg swelling.
VenaSeal
During the venaSeal procedure, your doctor will use medical glue to seal the affected vein and reroute the blood to a healthier vein. With time, your body will absorb the vein, and it will disappear.
Radiofrequency ablation
The procedure uses radiofrequency energy to target affected veins. You will receive a local anesthetic to help with discomfort during the process. The procedure is quick, effective, and with minimal recovery time.
Minor surgical procedures
If the above minimally invasive procedures are ineffective, your doctor might recommend minor surgical procedures to remove the affected veins. You might need compression stockings after the procedure to help with blood circulation.
Visit Desert West Vein & Surgery Center for treatment if you have skin discoloration. The available team will review your medical history and examine your condition before offering a treatment plan. Call or book your appointment online today.