HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes A Blood Leak On Ankle?

Posted on Sat, 28 Jun 2014

Question: Hi, about an year back I had a small pigmentation on my ankle which looked like some blood leak (dark red/brown in color). Over a period of time it has started spreading around ankle. I now have spots on my lower leg as well (under knees) both legs. It does not itch or pain at all all, it is just spots. I am worried that it is growing and not sure whether it is a disease. Please suggest what it could be. I have never had any surgery in my life so far. I am slightly over weight and I have a hectic life style with lot travels and long working hours (I work for an IT company)

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Schamberg's Purpura; Lifestyle modifications good

Detailed Answer:
Hi there XXXXXXX
I hear you & from your history & clinical description, it appears you have a condition called "Schamberg's Purpura". This is a condition that arises due to minor leak of blood from the small vessels & 'hemosiderin' deposition in the skin & is not a 'disease' per se & is more a 'cosmetic issue' that is pesky to get rid of.
Agreed your life style may need a little tweaking with weight loss certainly beneficial. Please do 'put your feet UP' both literally & figuratively speaking & this will arrest the spread of this condition.
For best results, do visit a dermatologist/cosmetologist to suggest some pigment lightening creams/lasers etc that may help further.
If in the XXXXXXX region, you are most welcome to call on me between noon & 4 pm on all days (except sunday) @ XXXXXXX Hospital off XXXXXXX road.
Good Luck & trust this has allayed your fears & pointed you in the right direction.
Best Regds.
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (1 hour later)

Thanks a lot, this has given me lot of relief.

Is there any ointment or lotion I can buy from the chemist for the treatment?

I do travel to XXXXXXX sometimes, I will try and consult you personally.

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Elovera cream liberal appln daily

Detailed Answer:
Hey there.
Good my advice seemed to work for you.
Off the shelf, you could pick any Aloe Vera product that can act both as a pigment lightening agent & a moisturizer.
Perhaps Elovera with VitE combination good bet.
Most welcome when in XXXXXXX
Cheers.
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (2 hours later)

Thanks a lot. last two questions

1/ I have been having Vitamin C. This is the only medicine I had from last 1 yr as I was getting frequent cold. Do you think that would have been the reason for this? Should I stop it?

2/ The Aloevera with Vitamin E - should I apply after taking bath or in the night or twice a day? Also, any particular tips on how it should be applied.

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Good Luck

Detailed Answer:
Vit C ...no issues there ..if anything it helps being an antoxidant.
Apply Aloevera cream on wet skin after bathing or sprinkling water on region any number of times as the water retention is better with cream atop water.
Good Luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (2 days later)

Thanks Sir,

I have bought a Aloe Vera + Vitamin E ointment and have started applying it.

Do you think any tests are required like blood test etc.? Please suggest.

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nope

Detailed Answer:
Hello Again.
Nope ..none required. cheers.
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar