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What Causes Deep Red Blotches On Legs?

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Posted on Thu, 10 Mar 2016
Question: I have red rash on my lower legs. deep red blotches, the largest about 1/4 inch . It started on the inside of both legs and has traveled up each leg but not as severe. Two doctors have looked at it and I have had 3 blood checks.
one for CBC (?) and one for kidney and I do not recall the name of the other test.
all tests are normal.
I have been told it is not contagious and not related to any bug bites. One doctor said it is an internal problem rather than external cause.
The rash does not itch but a few are slightly raised. I have not noticed any weeping.
I have no know allergies. Another doctor will look at it on Tuesday. XXXXXXX 26.
This condition stared one week ago.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
History and pictures requested

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for writing to me on HCM.
From the history and description, It seems you are having purpuric rash which means there is extracvasation of blood from your blood vessels into your skin. Its a common feature of vasculitis. For better understanding I would suggest you to post clinical pictures on this page and also provide any additional history like any history of abdominal pain/ vomitting/ blood in stool or sputum/ burning sensation while urination/ any joint pain/ any history of drug intake etc.
Thank you
Dr Hardik Pitroda
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hardik Pitroda (13 hours later)
History:
This appeared XXXXXXX 17---without itch or anything. First noticed when undressing for morning shower.
Area was about 6 X 7 inches on inside of both legs, from ankle and above.

Attempting to send picture!

Failed to attach picture.
Assuming my problem is the same as I see on computer pictures, how long would I take medicine like :
prednisone or methylprednisolone or metholrexate .
The side effects seem terrible!

photo attached
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (15 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pictures awaited

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the history.

I am sorry to say I have not received your clinical picture yet.

As an alternative, I suggest you to mail pictures to email address: YYYY@YYYY
with subject titled ' ATTN Dr Hardik Pitroda'.

Thanks
Dr Hardik Pitroda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hardik Pitroda (16 hours later)
Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Vasculitis suspected, skin biopsy and investigations advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
I have reviewed the picture and as I suspected it looks very typical of vasculitis.
Vasculitis is any inflammation of blood vessels and based on type of vessel involved there are many types of vasculitis.
In your I recommend a skin biopsy at the earliest to narrow down the diagnosis and thus we can manage appropriately.
Apart from biopsy, I would recommend following investigations to assess the severity of your condition:
Complete blood counts
ESR
Liver function test
Renal function test
Blood coagulation profile
Urine and stool routine and microscopy examination
Anti nuclear antibody test
Rheumatoid factor (RA factor)
C-reactive protein
Ultrasonography of abdomen and pelvis
Chest X-ray

Based on the review of skin biopsy and above investigations the treatment can be given.
Till the results are awaited, I generally recommend giving short course of corticosteroid to bring down inflammation and thus prevent damage to vital organs.
Oral antibiotic like Azithromycin can be given for 5-6 days
Oral antihistamines should also be given.
Topical corticosteroid and antibiotic combination cream should be applied twice a day over affected areas.

Avoid any strenuous activity and a bed rest is advised till proper resolution.
While sleeping legs should be keep in little elevated position.
Avoid wearing synthetic socks and shoes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hardik Pitroda (36 hours later)
Thank you for your input. It helped me understand my situation.
Today I had a biopsy and in near future will continue with specialized doctor.
investigating some form of lupus / rheumatoid.
Sleeping with legs elevated helped with the limited swelling.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Pitroda (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Wish you best of health

Detailed Answer:
I am glad my suggestions were helpful.
Let me know if you require any further assistance in future.
Take care
Dr Hardik Pitroda
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. Naveen Kumar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Hardik Pitroda

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1489 Questions

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What Causes Deep Red Blotches On Legs?

Brief Answer: History and pictures requested Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for writing to me on HCM. From the history and description, It seems you are having purpuric rash which means there is extracvasation of blood from your blood vessels into your skin. Its a common feature of vasculitis. For better understanding I would suggest you to post clinical pictures on this page and also provide any additional history like any history of abdominal pain/ vomitting/ blood in stool or sputum/ burning sensation while urination/ any joint pain/ any history of drug intake etc. Thank you Dr Hardik Pitroda