What causes leg discoloration?

Skin discoloration is when the color of your skin changes from its normal tone. Hyperpigmentation refers to an area of skin that appears darker than the surrounding skin, while hypopigmentation refers to skin that’s lighter than your natural skin tone.¹

Discoloration on the skin of your legs is concerning in many ways. Not only is the appearance unpleasant, but leg discoloration may be a sign of underlying health conditions. Leg discoloration causes can vary widely, ranging from simple tanning and sunburns to more long-lasting conditions like varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. In some cases, you may need to consult your healthcare provider for leg discoloration treatment.

Skin Discoloration Causes

The skin is susceptible to many disorders on its own. It can also be affected by diseases originating from other systems of the body. Leg discoloration can be caused by:²

• Sunburn
• Eczema
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Diabetes
• Infections and inflammation

Other disorders like lymphedema, vasculitis, vitiligo, and scleredema can also cause leg discoloration.³ Chronic venous insufficiency associated with varicose veins frequently causes skin discoloration in the ankles and legs. The pigments melanin and hemosiderin cause the skin to darken.⁴

Skin discoloration can vary from small patches to extensive darkening of the skin. Leg discoloration has no symptoms besides aesthetic concerns, but the underlying disorder may cause some. Varicose veins can cause leg pain, muscle cramps, pain after standing, itching, swelling, and ulcers.⁵ 

Skin Discoloration Treatment

The treatment for leg discoloration depends largely on the underlying cause. Treating the underlying disorder prevents further discoloration and may reverse the appearance of the skin. A doctor can treat skin discoloration present from birth or those that persist after treatment of the underlying cause with lightening ointments, surgery, laser therapy, or medications.⁶

Your doctor will offer treatment for varicose veins if the leg discoloration is caused by chronic venous insufficiency. There are several treatment options, including:⁷ 

• Gradient compression stockings
• Endovascular laser ablation (EVLA)
• Endovascular radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Foam sclerotherapy
• Cyanoacrylate 
• Minimally invasive surgery (microphlebectomy)

You should consult a vein expert to choose the best treatment. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding standing for long periods, quitting smoking, elevating legs when possible, losing weight, and exercising are also vital to successful treatment. These measures also help prevent varicose veins from developing again.⁸

Visit My Vein Treatment for more information about venous disorders. You can also use our physician locator to find a vein treatment specialist near you. 

SOURCES:

1. Medical News Today: “Causes and treatments for skin discoloration on the legs.” 
2. Medical News Today: “Causes and treatments for skin discoloration on the legs.” 
3. Canadian Family Physician: “Discoloration and edema on anterior shin.” 
4. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery: “The Nature of Skin Pigmentations in Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Preliminary Report.” 
5. Mayo Clinic: “Varicose veins.” 
6. Medical News Today: “Causes and treatments for skin discoloration on the legs.“
7. National Health Service: “Varicose veins: Treatment.” 
8. Mayo Clinic: “Varicose veins.“