Why are the lower part of my legs red?

Red, swollen legs may be a sign of a circulation problem. Most likely what you are experiencing is called edema. “Edema is the actual swelling of the ankles and the legs, typically caused by venous hypertension or venous insufficiency, said Dr.

What causes redness on lower legs?

The most common causes of what looks like a rash or red dots on the lower legs are either immune-mediated inflammation like eczema or psoriasis, or a skin infection like cellulitis. Other causes of red blotches on the lower legs can arise from an allergic reaction to certain foods or contact with poisonous plants.

How do I get rid of the redness in my legs?

Why are my lower legs red and warm to touch?

Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin is swollen and inflamed and is typically painful and warm to the touch. Cellulitis usually affects the lower legs, but it can occur on the face, arms and other areas.

What is red leg syndrome?

“Red-leg” syndrome is a widespread infection seen in frogs, toads, and salamanders. It is recognized by the redness on the underside of the amphibian's legs and abdomen, and is generally due to Aeromonas hydrophila, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen.

Venous Disease - Why Treatment Matters

What does cellulitis look like on your legs?

Cellulitis initially appears as pink-to-red minimally inflamed skin. The involved area may rapidly become deeper red, swollen, warm, and tender and increase in size as the infection spreads. Occasionally, red streaks may radiate outward from the cellulitis. Blisters or pus-filled bumps may also be present.

Why are my lower legs discolored?

You may notice that the skin on your lower legs becomes discolored or appears bruised as you age. The technical term for this is hemosiderin staining. It's caused by a problem with the blood vessels in your legs called chronic venous insufficiency. You may need to make lifestyle changes to help fix the condition.

Is edema in the legs life threatening?

Swelling in the legs and ankles can be normal in some cases, but if it is sudden, unexplained, or accompanied by additional symptoms, contact a healthcare professional. Some health issues that result in this swelling can be life-threatening without treatment.

What causes purple lower legs?

Hemosiderin Deposits: Hemosiderin is caused when the iron in red blood cells is broken down. When blood pools in the lower extremities, iron collects in the skin. As the iron breaks down, these deposits can appear as purple or brown bruises on the lower legs, ankles and feet.

What do Leukemia red spots look like?

Leukemia cutis appears as red or purplish red, and it occasionally looks dark red or brown. It affects the outer skin layer, the inner skin layer, and the layer of tissue beneath the skin. The rash can involve flushed skin, plaques, and scaly lesions. It most commonly appears on the trunk, arms, and legs.

What does stasis dermatitis look like on legs?

Common signs and symptoms of stasis dermatitis include: Thickened, discolored (reddish) skin on the ankles or shins. Itching. Open sores, oozing and crusting.

What is the treatment for venous stasis?

What Is the Best Treatment for Venous Stasis? Compression therapy is commonly recognized as the most helpful treatment for this condition. In addition, leg elevation reduces edema in patients with venous stasis and is recommended for patients with the condition, usually about 30 minutes a few times a day.

How do you check the circulation in your legs?

A Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images that highlight blood flow in the leg arteries. This test detects and evaluates any blockages caused by plaque buildup.

Why do my legs look discolored?

Venous stasis dermatitis, commonly referred to as leg discoloration, occurs due to problems with your veins located in your feet or lower legs. Leg discoloration can occur in individuals with circulation issues.

How do you know if you have circulation problems?

Will drinking more water help with edema?

1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn't hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have.

What does edema look like?

Signs of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms. Stretched or shiny skin. Skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds.

What stage of heart failure is edema?

Patients in the end stages of heart failure want to know what to expect. The symptoms of end-stage congestive heart failure include dyspnea, chronic cough or wheezing, edema, nausea or lack of appetite, a high heart rate, and confusion or impaired thinking.

Can poor circulation cause discoloration in the legs?

What Causes Leg Discoloration? When circulation is poor, blood flow is congested and pressure builds in the veins. The pressure causes veins to leak, and blood pools. Iron from pooling red blood cells begins to stain lower leg skin, causing it to discolor and appear splotchy.

How do you get rid of venous stasis discoloration?

Is cellulitis caused by poor hygiene?

Cellulitis usually appears around damaged skin, but it also occurs in areas of your skin with poor hygiene. You can maintain good skin hygiene by: Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water. Cleaning and trimming your fingernails and toenails.

How do you get rid of cellulitis on legs?

Cellulitis treatment usually includes a prescription oral antibiotic. Within three days of starting an antibiotic, let your health care provider know whether the infection is responding to treatment. You'll need to take the antibiotic for the full course, usually 5 to 10 days, even if you start to feel better.

What does staph infection look like?

Staph infection

MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses. Staph skin infections, including MRSA , generally start as swollen, painful red bumps that might look like pimples or spider bites.

What are the signs of clogged arteries in your legs?

The narrowing of the arteries causes a decrease in blood flow. Symptoms include leg pain, numbness, cold legs or feet and muscle pain in the thighs, calves or feet. The arteries which supply blood to the leg originate from the aorta and iliac vessels.

How do you know if you have poor circulation in lower legs?