Brown spots on legs in men, women and child

The legs often reflect various conditions, which can be used to draw conclusions about the health of the body. Normally, the skin on the legs should be light and velvety. If there are any pathologies in the body, various changes can be observed. Today, medicine is increasingly faced with the problem of brown spots on the legs.

They are common to people of any age and gender. There are many reasons for the formation of such spots. Diagnostics is the key to successful treatment and allows you to prevent pathologies.

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Epidemiology

According to statistics, only in 32% of cases are spots on the legs an independent disease or a skin reaction. In 68% of cases, they are one of the symptoms of diseases of the internal organs. In 12% of cases, they indicate liver disease, in 9% - kidney pathology, in 28% - dysfunction or disease of the heart, blood vessels. The rest are other pathologies of the internal organs.

It occurs in 54% of elderly people, 27% of adults of reproductive age, 9% of children, 1% of newborns and 9% of teenagers. Women are more at risk of developing the pathology than men, since they use cosmetics and resort to various cosmetic procedures more often.

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Risk factors

The risk group includes people with a tendency to allergic reactions and increased skin sensitivity. Also included are people with metabolic disorders, with pathologies of internal organs, in particular, with diseases of the kidneys, liver and thyroid gland. People with such disorders have increased melanin synthesis, which results in a brown tint on the skin.

The risk group includes people with hormonal imbalances and changes: teenagers, pregnant women, and the elderly. People who are often exposed to ultraviolet radiation, spend a lot of time in the sun, near artificial lighting lamps, have an increased tendency to develop spots. Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of photoaging, in which hyperpigmentation appears on certain areas of the skin.

Read about other reasons for brown spots on legs here.

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Symptoms brown spots on the legs

The symptoms are the appearance of brown spots. They are localized in different parts of the legs. The sizes may be different, the intensity of the coloring may also vary widely. The spots may appear and disappear, or be permanent. Under the influence of some factors, the intensity of the coloring may vary dramatically.

The very first sign is a change in skin color. Some areas of the skin on the legs begin to differ sharply from other areas. The intensity of the color may vary. The spots may be single or multiple, they may itch, cause burning, or not show themselves at all.

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Brown spots on legs of woman

The female part of the population is more susceptible to this pathology and there are many more reasons for the development of spots, since women more often expose their legs to various factors, cosmetics. Tanning, solariums, contribute to skin irritation and the appearance of spots. The shape and size may vary. Pigmented ones are caused by a violation of the synthesis of pigments in the skin layers, they are less dangerous. Vascular ones can be dangerous, since they have serious consequences and are based on blood flow disorders. They are divided into edematous, inflammatory and hemorrhagic. Accompanied by an increase in blood vessels.

They can be a sign of hormonal disorders, changes, dysfunctions of various organs. They are often observed against the background of hormonal imbalance, which accompanies changes in the female reproductive system. They appear during changes in adolescence, during pregnancy, a few days before menstruation, with ovarian dysfunction, during menopause. Often you have to deal with age spots. They appear due to age-related changes in the body, against the background of photoaging, various diseases (infectious, venereal, dermatological, less often - somatic, with leprosy, erythema). They can be located in any area of the legs, often have an irregular shape, the edges are clearly localized. Can be found with erythema, toxicoderma, vasculitis.

Purpura are a direct indication of vascular inflammation, hemorrhage, chemical burn. The smallest of them (up to 1 cm) are called petechiae. Larger ones are also distinguished - purpuric, large ones - ecchymosis, or hematomas. They appear against the background of telangiectasias, in which not only spots appear. Vessels with enlarged lumens are traced. They are a reaction to high temperatures, prolonged stay in a stuffy room, accompany many physiological changes, and are genetically determined. Lentigo is of particular interest - they become pronounced or begin to increase in size under the influence of various unfavorable factors. Some spots may be of allergic origin, or caused by a parasitic bacterial infection, fungal infection. With increased sensitization of the body, irritation may occur due to the action of synthetic fabrics, drugs, animal hair.

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Brown spots on legs in men

Representatives of the male population appear slightly less frequently than women. Men much less often manipulations, cosmetic procedures. But they are a sign of a severe pathological process. If weakness and yellowing of the sclera are added to all this, we can speak with complete confidence about inflammatory processes in the liver or kidneys.

If spots appear as an independent symptom that is not associated with any other diseases, we can talk about deterioration of blood circulation, as well as an accidental reaction of the skin. Clothes may well be pressing, or some fabric may have an irritating effect. You should avoid wearing tight clothes that squeeze the body. If such spots persist for several weeks, you need to check your heart - perhaps they are associated with the development of diseases of the heart and circulatory system.

Men often have spots on their legs due to diabetes, atherosclerosis and other metabolic disorders. This is a distinctive feature of these diseases, it manifests itself exclusively in men, and in rare cases it can occur in women. If the spots are localized in the area of the feet, we can talk about plantar hyperhidrosis. When the first signs of the disease appear, the Minor test is performed for diagnosis, as well as a specific examination and survey. Instrumental diagnostics are used in rare cases.

Thus, men need to be doubly attentive to their health. Unlike women, brown spots on men's legs are almost always a sign of a serious illness, the development of which can be prevented if the necessary measures are taken in a timely manner.

Brown spots on a child's legs

It is even more difficult to determine the exact cause of brown spots on the legs of children than of adults, since there may be even more of these causes. In addition to the main reasons why spots appear in adults, children also have their own, specific causes, for example, mosquito bites. At first, after a mosquito bite, a huge red spot often appears, which gradually develops into a brown spot. Such spots take a long time to disappear: they can remain on the skin for up to 14 days or longer. It can also be a reaction to taking a medicine or food product. Also, kidney, pancreas, and liver diseases can cause the disease.

In most cases, such spots are discovered by parents by accident, since they do not cause any discomfort to the baby. In rare cases, itching and burning are noticeable. These spots are especially dangerous for newborns, since they can be a sign of erythema of toxic origin.

The etiological factor, peculiar exclusively to children, is pemphigus. Thus, with this disease, spots appear on the legs, after which they spread quite quickly to the stomach, back and other parts of the body. The main accumulation of spots occurs in the thigh area.

Quite similar in its pathogenesis and etiology is Ritter's disease. This disease is characterized by a severe course. But the primary focus is not the legs, but the child's face. It is on the face that the root cause should be sought. This is often forgotten, carried away by the treatment of spots on the legs.

An equally rare cause of pathology is an allergy to various substances, food products, and even fabrics, bed linen, toys. When breastfeeding a child, it is necessary to completely exclude from the mother's diet products that contribute to the development of allergies.

Complications and consequences

Spots on the legs are not just a cosmetic procedure. They can have serious consequences if they are a sign of a serious internal disease. For example, they can be accompanied by pain in the lower back, abdomen. Often this indicates damage to the liver and kidneys. If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, kidney diseases can begin to progress.

They can be precursors of serious pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, which, if left untreated, can progress to heart failure. Even spots that appeared for some minor reasons, for example, as a result of rubbing or squeezing by clothes that have become too small, can lead to serious consequences. Thus, prolonged rubbing and squeezing of the skin can disrupt its trophism and blood circulation, as a result of which the normal functioning of the muscular and circulatory systems is disrupted, which can lead to persistent disruption of blood circulation and innervation. The result, if left untreated, can be disastrous - up to complete paralysis and muscle atrophy, complete loss of sensitivity.

The consequence may be chronic and stagnant dermatitis, various disorders of venous circulation, inflammatory processes. Neurofibromatosis of the feet is no less dangerous. They can degenerate into a tumor, both malignant, for example, skin melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and benign. It is necessary to remember that any benign tumor can at any time show signs of growth and transform into a cancerous tumor.

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Diagnostics brown spots on the legs

In order to diagnose the disease, when the first signs of spots appear, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. He will conduct an examination. Usually, the doctor first questions the patient, collects general information about him, anamnesis of life. Pathology may be hidden here. For example, a person may work in a production facility with a high level of allergens or other toxic factors. Accordingly, they can become a trigger for the development of spots. They can be eliminated only by reducing the impact of negative factors. Thus, spots can be considered a sign of an occupational disease.

Then the doctor collects the anamnesis of the disease, on the basis of which he can judge the features of the course of the disease, predict its further development and outcome. The doctor needs to know how long ago and under what circumstances the spots appeared, how they developed, whether they cause discomfort to the patient, whether there are circumstances under which the pathology intensifies, or, conversely, decreases. It is necessary to know whether any treatment was carried out, what its effectiveness was, what other measures were taken. Based on this, it is already possible to assume the cause that provoked the disease.

Then the doctor examines the patient. Usually, classical methods of examination are used, such as palpation, percussion, auscultation. During palpation, the doctor feels possible lesions, evaluates the degree of hyperemia, tissue edema, local temperature. During auscultation, the doctor listens to breathing, heartbeat. Percussion can also reveal multiple lesions, such as inflammation, edema, compaction.

If necessary, laboratory and instrumental research methods may be prescribed, which depend on the organ in which the possible pathology is located.

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Tests

Most often, clinical tests are prescribed: blood, urine, feces. They allow you to assess the general direction of the processes occurring in the body. They can indicate an inflammatory, infectious, or allergic process. It is also possible to roughly assume in which organ system the main pathological process occurs, what is its severity. For example, if a large amount of protein is detected in the urine, we can talk about the development of an inflammatory process in the kidneys.

Based on these general data, it is possible to determine the course of further diagnostics. Thus, if the analysis shows a high content of eosinophils and an increased level of histamine, an allergic process can be assumed. To clarify the data, allergy tests, an analysis of the content of total and specific immunoglobulin E, and the level of histamine are prescribed. A detailed immunogram may be required, which will display the current state of the immune system.

If an infectious disease is suspected, virological studies are prescribed, as well as bacteriological culture, which will allow differentiating a viral disease from a bacterial or fungal one. Smears and scrapings are taken directly from the place where the spots formed. Blood is also examined using microscopy, bacteriological culture, serological or virological studies.

In case of a disease of unclear etiology, it is advisable to conduct a study for latent infections and parasitic diseases.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics can be quite diverse and depends on what is presumably the cause of the disease. It is usually prescribed after a preliminary examination and questioning of the patient, when the doctor already has a presumptive diagnosis, or a presumptive cause of the pathology.

Thus, if a gastrointestinal disease is suspected, gastroscopy, radiography, ultrasound, and colonoscopy may be required. If a respiratory disease is suspected, a thorough examination is carried out using spirogram, radiography, and functional tests. In case of heart and circulatory system diseases, an electrocardiogram, ultrasound of the heart, and other examinations may be required.

Magnetic resonance imaging may also be required, which allows one to assess the condition of the skeletal system and soft tissues and identify possible pathologies at the earliest stages of their formation.

Differential diagnosis

First of all, it is necessary to determine whether the spot is an independent manifestation of some skin disease, allergic or other reaction, or it acts as a symptom of another, serious disease. For this, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out.

Then it is necessary to differentiate between diseases that can cause such changes. Here, mainly instrumental methods are used; consultations with other specialists may be required. It is also necessary to differentiate spots by origin, to determine the exact cause of their occurrence. Observation of spots in dynamics, as well as questioning the patient, can help with this.

Treatment brown spots on the legs

There are many ways to treat brown spots, which is determined by the wide variety of reasons for their appearance. Etiological therapy is mainly used, which is aimed at eliminating the cause of the spots, since the spots are mainly a consequence of the pathological process that occurs in the body. It is also important to eliminate the irritants that provoke the development of the pathological process. In some cases, this is enough to eliminate the pathology.

Most often, the treatment is complex, since local treatment is not always able to completely eliminate the pathology. It only masks the symptoms. The therapy mainly includes drug treatment, which consists of the use of systematic drugs, as well as skin treatment with special ointments and solutions that help lighten the spots. The drugs contain substances that slow down the production of pigments by melanocytes. In parallel, local drugs are used to reduce the level of melanin in the cells of the dermis. With regular use of drugs and compliance with all necessary recommendations, the treatment will be quite effective.

In case of insufficient effectiveness and incomplete recovery, cosmetic procedures are carried out that allow to eliminate spots completely. But cosmetic procedures will be effective only as part of complex therapy, or only after its preliminary implementation. Such medical procedures as cryotherapy, in which damaged areas of the skin are frozen with liquid nitrogen, have proven themselves well. Peeling is used to exfoliate the upper layers of the skin that are prone to spots. Phototherapy is carried out, in which the skin is exposed to waves of different lengths, which are generated by special lamps. Quite often, laser therapy is used, during which spots are removed using laser radiation. Some of these manipulations can be painful and traumatic, but the recovery period does not last long. And the result is usually positive, lasting for quite a long time.

In some cases, whitening ointments are used for treatment. If the cause is an infection or inflammation, antiviral, antibacterial, or anti-inflammatory therapy is prescribed accordingly. For spots of an allergic nature, antiallergic and antihistamine drugs are prescribed. Often the cause is a vitamin deficiency, and vitamin therapy is prescribed accordingly. If there is a suspicion of the development of an oncological process, treatment is carried out under the supervision of an oncologist. Also, for spots of any origin, it is important to adjust the diet and choose an appropriate diet.

Medicines

Medicines can be taken after consulting a doctor, and only after the exact cause of the pathology has been determined - this is the main precaution. Otherwise, a number of complications and side effects may arise. For example, spots can spread if the drug is selected incorrectly, concomitant diseases can occur if the treatment regimen is not followed.

When spots appear that itch a lot and are accompanied by a burning sensation, antiallergic drugs are prescribed. For example, suprastin has proven itself well. It is taken 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, depending on the severity of the disease and the degree of symptoms. It is necessary to take into account that the drug can cause drowsiness and slow reaction, so it should be taken by people whose work requires increased concentration. Care should also be taken when driving a car.

If suprastin is ineffective, it is recommended to take loratadine. It is taken 1 tablet per day, since it is a prolonged-action drug that acts within 24 hours. It is not recommended to exceed the dosage, since severe intoxication may develop.

Zinc ointment may be recommended locally. It is applied in a thin layer to the skin, rubbing thoroughly. Apply up to three times a day. Leave on the skin until completely absorbed. The ointment eliminates the symptoms of the disease well, and also helps to remove inflammation, prevent the addition and further spread of infection.

In case of diseases of bacterial etiology, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. It is recommended to take broad-spectrum antibiotics. For example, ciprofloxacin will quickly eliminate a bacterial infection and reduce or completely remove the spots. It is recommended to take 1 tablet (500 mg) once for three days. It is recommended to take the full course, since the bacteria may not be completely killed, as a result of which they will become resistant, and the pathological process will only intensify, the rash will spread to other parts of the body.

Often, intoxication of the body develops against the background of spots. To eliminate toxins and metabolic products from the body, it is recommended to take Enterosgel. For oral administration, 1 tablespoon of the product is dissolved in a glass of water and drunk in one or two doses. As a result, the body is cleansed, the spots gradually disappear.

Vitamins

When any spots appear, it is necessary to take vitamins, since most of them are directly or indirectly associated with a violation of vitamin metabolism and their deficiency in the body. Brown spots are associated primarily with a deficiency of vitamins A, E, PP. Therefore, it is recommended to take vitamins in the following daily concentrations:

• Vitamin PP – 60 mg
• Vitamin A – 240 mg
• Vitamin E – 45 mg
• Vitamin C – 1000 mg.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy helps to cope with spots quite effectively and in a short time. It is used as part of complex therapy, or after the main treatment is completed, but spots and scars remain on the skin. The main methods of physiotherapy treatment are ultrasound, microcurrents, waves of various lengths. Electrophoresis is used, with the help of which drugs are introduced directly into the damaged tissue. The depth of their penetration is regulated by microcurrent. Cryoprocedures, thermal procedures, peelings are indicated. Diamond peeling and grinding are used. Laser procedures and phototherapy have proven themselves well.

Folk remedies

An ointment made from paper has proven itself well. To prepare it, take a school notebook, place it on a flat plate, and set it on fire. After the notebook has completely burned, there should be ash and a sticky liquid left. Take this liquid and apply it in a thin layer to the affected area. It is advisable to apply it while it is still hot. Repeat this daily until the stains disappear. If there is no resinous mass left after burning, you can dilute the resulting ash in half a glass of warm water and apply it to the stains.

An ointment made from pine resin and honey also works well. To prepare the ointment, take about 50 grams of honey, melt it in a water bath, add 5-10 grams of resin, stir until a homogeneous mass is formed, and allow it to harden. Apply a thin layer to the affected area. You can apply it up to three times a day. Duration of treatment is until the spots disappear completely.

Bee honey with salt quickly eliminates inflammation and reduces the appearance of any spots. To do this, place a teaspoon of honey in a small bowl of honey melted in a water bath, mix thoroughly and apply to the skin 34 times a day until the spots disappear completely.

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Herbal treatment

Oil from wild rosemary herb helps to remove stains in a short period. Take 2 tablespoons of the herb and pour 5 tablespoons of boiled hot sunflower oil. Allow to infuse under a tightly closed lid for 2-3 hours, after which you can rub into the stains until completely absorbed.

A fresh burdock leaf is soaked in boiling water, shaken off and applied to the affected areas. Tightly wrap with a wide bandage, cover with dry heat on top. Keep this compress for an hour, then carefully remove the burdock and apply dry heat for another 30 minutes. Not only does it remove spots, but it also relieves pain, itching and burning.

Sage is suitable for both internal and external use. Add one tablespoon of the herb to a glass of boiling water. Brew for an hour. Then divide into 2 halves. Drink one half of the glass during the day, in small sips, and use the other half to lubricate the affected areas. On the first day, lubricate every 30 minutes, on the second day, every 1.5-2 hours. Then switch to three-time lubrication until the spots disappear completely.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are among the most effective in treating spots and various skin diseases. However, they are also quite dangerous, especially if used incorrectly. Therefore, it is important to take all precautions. Firstly, you need to follow all the doctor's recommendations, adhere to the prescribed regimen. Secondly, it is recommended to select medications only after all the necessary diagnostics have been carried out and the diagnosis has been accurately determined. Otherwise, side effects may occur, up to and including worsening of the condition and progression of the disease.

A turpentine rub will help quickly eliminate inflammation, pain, and spots. Take 5 ml of turpentine and rub into the spots until heat appears. Then put a sheet of paper on top, put a thin layer of honey, pour warm water on top. Keep the compress for 30 minutes. Remove and lubricate with Vaseline.

To remove stains, use an ointment. Take 1 tablespoon of dogwood berries, ground lavender and sage. Mix with 50 grams of Vaseline, bring to a homogeneous mass. Then apply a thin layer to the affected areas.

The second oil consists of fir and oak bark extract and jojoba oil. About 50 ml of oil is heated in a water bath, 2 drops of fir essential oil or 1 teaspoon of natural extract are added. Mix thoroughly, let it brew and then apply a thin layer to the skin, up to 5 times a day.

Take 10 tablespoons of clay, mix with 5 tablespoons of coconut oil, add 2 drops of kerosene. Leave for half an hour. Stir before applying, apply to damaged areas up to 3 times a day. Keep the compress for 30 minutes. After removing, lubricate the skin with a thin layer of baby cream or Vaseline.

Surgical treatment

Surgical methods are rarely used, mainly when conservative methods are ineffective. But they can be the only way to solve the problem when tumors develop. Both benign and malignant tumors are removed. Surgical methods can also be used in the case of vascular pathology.

Prevention

Prevention is based primarily on timely diagnostics. It is important to identify the pathology at an early stage of its formation and take the necessary measures. This will prevent the progression of the disease.

It is necessary to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, use sunscreen cosmetics, and if necessary, bleaching agents. Massage, cryotherapy, various masks and cosmetic procedures are good preventive measures. Frequent epilation and depilation should be avoided.

It is necessary to do physical exercises, eat right and follow a daily routine. Clothes should be natural, should not irritate the skin and cause excessive compression and squeezing of the skin. It is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of vitamins.

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Forecast

If the cause is identified in a timely manner and the necessary treatment is carried out, the prognosis will be favorable. Brown spots on the legs can be completely and completely eliminated. However, if diagnosis and treatment are delayed, the prognosis may be unpredictable. It is possible to start a serious pathology of internal organs, since the legs are a reflection of the processes that occur in the body. There are known cases when ignoring the spots on the legs led to the progression of a cancerous tumor, the harbingers of which they were.

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