What Causes Patches of Discolored Skin?

Skin discoloration isn’t uncommon, and it can happen for different reasons, including dermatologic conditions like rosacea or eczema, sun exposure, and medical conditions that affect the way your skin produces pigment. But for many people, the cause starts with their blood vessels. 

In El Paso, Texas, Atur Kasha, DO, and the team at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center offer comprehensive treatment for a wide array of vascular issues, including conditions that cause changes in the color, texture, or health of your skin. If you have skin discoloration, here’s how your circulation could be playing a role.

Circulation and skin discoloration

Circulation-related skin discoloration typically happens when circulation is impaired. These problems can affect your superficial veins, your deep veins, or your arteries.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease happens most often in your feet and lower legs, but it can happen in your arms, too. In PAD, plaque collects inside the arteries, narrowing the vessels and making it harder for blood to pass through.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common cause of varicose veins and spider veins, but it can occur without causing those visible vein changes. CVI happens when valves inside your veins no longer function the way they should, making it harder for blood to return to your heart. Instead, blood pools and collects, causing veins to dilate and swell.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a clot (or thrombosis) forms in one of the deeper veins, most commonly a vein in the leg. The clot interferes with circulation, causing leg pain, swelling, and often, skin discoloration. 

Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT)

Superficial venous thrombosis also involves a clot, but instead of happening in a deep vein, the clot forms in a more superficial vein not too far from the surface of your skin.

Some vein-related issues cause blood to leak into the surrounding tissues, resulting in a reddish staining (called hemosiderin staining) that can be permanent. This is called venous stasis dermatitis, and it can increase your risk of leg sores called ulcers. Ulcers are slow to heal, increasing the risk of infections.

Treating blood vessel problems

Dr. Kasha offers advanced treatments for blood vessel problems, including in-office treatments, like radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and VenaSeal™. In addition, Dr. Kasha recommends other therapies, like:

• Medication
• Compression stockings
• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Losing excess weight
• Leg elevation

Sometimes, lifestyle changes can help, too, like spending less time on your feet.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying condition, Dr. Kasha might recommend minor procedures. Before recommending any treatment, he performs a thorough exam and frequently orders a special ultrasound to see “inside” your vessels.

Maintaining healthy circulation

Skin discoloration can be a sign that your skin is under stress because of changes in underlying circulation. If you have skin discoloration — especially on your limbs — don’t ignore it. To learn what’s causing it and how we can help, call 915-260-4598 or book an appointment online with Dr. Kasha and the team at Desert West Vein & Surgery Center today.