Rashlike Pigmentation on the Foot

Published by: LiveStrong.com

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Certain rashlike pigmentations on the foot are merely aesthetic concerns and pose no particular health risks. Other types of pigmentations or rashes are serious and need immediate medical attention. Do not attempt self-diagnosis for any type of skin rash or unusual pigmentation.

Diabetic Dermopathy

Diabetes weakens blood vessels and capillaries. Broken capillaries create a splotchy, rashlike appearance. This condition is called diabetes dermopathy. Dermopathy can occur on the lower legs as well as the feet. Diabetes dermopathy is not usually a serious condition and does not require medical intervention, although improved blood glucose control can prevent or reduce symptoms, according to DermNet NZ. If rashlike pigmentation or any other unusual symptoms appear on your feet, consult your medical provider for diagnosis.

Venous Stasis

A condition known as venous stasis dermatitis can cause a reddish-brown pigmentation in the skin of the lower extremities, according to PodiatryNetwork.com. When veins lose elasticity and impair circulation, tiny blood vessels may break and leak hemoglobin subcutaneously. Iron molecules from the hemoglobin can stain the skin, giving the appearance of brown pigmentation in a freckle-type pattern. Unless the condition causing the circulation problem is addressed, venous stasis dermatitis can progress to a more serious condition known as venous stasis ulceration.

Cancer

Writing on her website, Dr. Angela Drury, DPM, FACFAS states that pigmentations on the feet are usually moles or freckles, but pigmentations may be cancerous lesions. Examination by a podiatrist or dermatologist is recommended. According to Drury, two types of skin cancer can occur on the foot: melanoma and the precancerous condition actinic keratosis. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the feet, even under the toenails. Actinic keratosis is often mistaken for plantar warts. Treatment for either one of these conditions is by freezing with liquid nitrogen or surgical removal.

Age Spots

Brown pigmented areas can appear on parts of the body most often exposed to the sun, including the feet. These pigmented areas are called age spots. Although they are not directly related to the aging process, they do more often appear in older people because of the accumulation of sun damage over time. According to MayoClinic.com, age spots can range in size from freckle-like to more than 1/2 inch in diameter. At times these spots occur in clusters, making them more prominent. Spots and lesions should be examined by a medical physician to rule out cancer or other serious conditions, MayoClinic.com advises.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ FallCenter.com or www.walkwithdiabetes.com.   The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!