Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Red Marks On Lower Legs That Are Spreading, No Itching, Visible Post Shower. What Could It Be?
Question: I have red splotches on my lower legs that are spreading. They do not itch at all and they are more visible after a shower. I had my family doctor look at them and she had no clue what they were and they just keep spreading. I researched every skin problem and none of them look like mine.
Hi
Thanks for your query
Looks like you are developing Schamberg's disease.
Dont be afraid because of the name.This is just a cosmetic problem in most of the cases. It is a skin disease which develops due to rupture of superficial blood vessels which leads to leakage of the blood ,,and the pigment then gives it's color to the skin.
The lesions in this case are totally asymptomatic. They are reddish to maroon in the beginning and later on they develop a brownish color.
Now this problem is usually seen in people over or around 50.
Prolonged standing or strenuous exercise can increase the lesions.
But the good thing is that these lesions never extend above the knees.
These are totally harmless and so are considered to be essentially a cosmetic problem.
Now as far as the treatment is concerned, application of topical steroid like clobetasol over the lesion can be done if there is any itching or irritation.
If these are totally asymptomatic, then application of a topical lightening agent containing kojic acid and vitamin c can be of help.
Avoid prolonged standing.
Take oral Vitamin C supplementation atleast twice aday.
I am sure this will be of help.
If you have any other query, please let me know.
Dr Geetika Paul
Thanks for your query
Looks like you are developing Schamberg's disease.
Dont be afraid because of the name.This is just a cosmetic problem in most of the cases. It is a skin disease which develops due to rupture of superficial blood vessels which leads to leakage of the blood ,,and the pigment then gives it's color to the skin.
The lesions in this case are totally asymptomatic. They are reddish to maroon in the beginning and later on they develop a brownish color.
Now this problem is usually seen in people over or around 50.
Prolonged standing or strenuous exercise can increase the lesions.
But the good thing is that these lesions never extend above the knees.
These are totally harmless and so are considered to be essentially a cosmetic problem.
Now as far as the treatment is concerned, application of topical steroid like clobetasol over the lesion can be done if there is any itching or irritation.
If these are totally asymptomatic, then application of a topical lightening agent containing kojic acid and vitamin c can be of help.
Avoid prolonged standing.
Take oral Vitamin C supplementation atleast twice aday.
I am sure this will be of help.
If you have any other query, please let me know.
Dr Geetika Paul
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
