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What Causes Swelling And Purple Discoloration Of The Legs?
Question: My son is at least 200 lbs. over weight, has swelling in lower legs and legs are purple. Has to sleep sitting up in a chair and now has water blisters on his legs. Of course his feet are quite huge from being swollen and can't walk any distance. The plus is that he has normal blood sugar readings.
Brief Answer:
As detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for history about your son.
Noted that he is at least 200 lbs overweight - swelling , purple color and now water blisters in his legs - has to sleep sitting in a chair - normal blood sugar levels...
I would suggest him the following:
First of all to get the color doppler of the legs to see for varicose veins, incompetent venous valves, the level of edema.
Since there are water blisters, apply solution povidone iodine to keep the skin sterile to avoid secondary infection.
- If possible to lye down in bed and elevate the legs above the heart level. This is the best way to reduce the edema.
- Antibiotic cover if the water blisters show signs of infection.
- Reducing the weight is the single most effective way to avoid all the complications he has. This includes diet regulation under the Dietitian, Exercises under the guidance of a trainer, visiting and following the advise of the consultants and consider bariatric surgery if these measures fail.
- I hope this answer helps him to have the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
As detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for history about your son.
Noted that he is at least 200 lbs overweight - swelling , purple color and now water blisters in his legs - has to sleep sitting in a chair - normal blood sugar levels...
I would suggest him the following:
First of all to get the color doppler of the legs to see for varicose veins, incompetent venous valves, the level of edema.
Since there are water blisters, apply solution povidone iodine to keep the skin sterile to avoid secondary infection.
- If possible to lye down in bed and elevate the legs above the heart level. This is the best way to reduce the edema.
- Antibiotic cover if the water blisters show signs of infection.
- Reducing the weight is the single most effective way to avoid all the complications he has. This includes diet regulation under the Dietitian, Exercises under the guidance of a trainer, visiting and following the advise of the consultants and consider bariatric surgery if these measures fail.
- I hope this answer helps him to have the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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