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What Causes Skin Discoloration On The Legs When Diagnosed With High BP?
I have a male friend who is 73 years with high blood pressure and diabetes. His legs are discolored and has some kind of skin condition which the doctor says he is not sure what it is. It is very scaley and hard. What is the best thing to put on it? The leg is very tight also. The Dr. says this is normal at his age. Is there anything I can do to make it more comfortable for him? He is in constant pain and I assume it is diabetic neuropathy. The Dr. says that is probably what it is. I just want to try to make his skin better.
Tue, 5 Mar 2019
Hello,
Without being able to see the skin I can't say for certain, but if he had high blood pressure and if there has been swelling of the bottoms of his legs (you mention that the skin is tight), the discoloration may be "brawny induration" from stasis dermatitis.
This happens when there is swelling in the lower legs and over time, pigment from the blood stains the skin. Treatment is to address the cause of the swelling in the legs (is it due to congestive heart failure? or to deep varicosities?).
Elevating the legs frequently, not standing on them for long periods of time, and wearing compression stockings (fit specifically for him) may help if venous stasis dermatitis is the problem. And if there is congestive heart failure, he may need a diuretic.
To help prevent skin break down, use a good emolient to keep the skin moisturized and supple, such as Eucerin.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
Without being able to see the skin I can't say for certain, but if he had high blood pressure and if there has been swelling of the bottoms of his legs (you mention that the skin is tight), the discoloration may be "brawny induration" from stasis dermatitis.
This happens when there is swelling in the lower legs and over time, pigment from the blood stains the skin. Treatment is to address the cause of the swelling in the legs (is it due to congestive heart failure? or to deep varicosities?).
Elevating the legs frequently, not standing on them for long periods of time, and wearing compression stockings (fit specifically for him) may help if venous stasis dermatitis is the problem. And if there is congestive heart failure, he may need a diuretic.
To help prevent skin break down, use a good emolient to keep the skin moisturized and supple, such as Eucerin.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
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