Red spots on legs: brief information

Hyperemia of the skin occurs for many reasons. Let's consider the main factors causing red spots on the legs, symptoms, methods of their diagnosis and treatment.

The skin is a special organ that performs many functions, the main one being the protection of the body. The epidermis acts as a kind of indicator, a change in its color indicates an undesirable internal or external impact. The appearance of red spots on the legs, arms and other parts of the body, their itching, burning and peeling are especially alarming. At the same time, the rash may differ in the intensity of color, shape, degree of convexity.

The cause of this defect on the limbs can be both the cosmetics used and allergic reactions or manifestations of pathologies of internal organs. That is why doctors do not recommend ignoring even minor skin disorders. To determine what caused the changes and how to eliminate them, you should contact a dermatologist and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.

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Causes red spots on the legs

Read this article for more information on the causes of different types of spots on the legs.

Risk factors

No one is immune from such a dermatological reaction as red spots on the legs. Risk factors for their appearance are conventionally divided into three groups:

1. Physiological – natural processes in the body, for example, aging. Allergic reactions due to wearing low-quality (synthetic, tight) clothing or shoes, rashes due to intolerance to certain foods.
2. Medical – various disorders and pathologies.
3. Environmental – water hardness, solar radiation, indoor air, climate.

In most cases, rashes are associated with factors such as:

• Allergy - marks appear on the legs, and most often on other parts of the body, which can itch and peel. In some cases, they turn into watery blisters. Such a reaction may be associated with intolerance to certain cosmetics or household chemicals, the fabric of which the trousers are made, the material of tights or socks. In some cases, unpleasant symptoms make themselves known when consuming certain foods or drinks.
• Hormonal imbalances and disorders of internal organs – in this case, the rash is the first sign of a problem. If left untreated, more serious problems arise.
• Unbalanced diet – in some cases, in order to eliminate the problem, it is enough to adjust the diet. Eliminate spicy, spiced, fried, smoked, fatty foods and alcohol from the menu.

The disorder can be provoked by vitamin deficiency, insect bites, and various disorders. If the epidermal changes are congenital, then you should consult a vascular surgeon and phlebologist.

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Epidemiology

A symptom such as red spots on the legs occurs due to the action of various factors. Statistics indicate that most often rashes are associated with the following reasons:

• Allergic reactions.
• Infectious diseases.
• Improper nutrition.
• Hormonal disorders.
• Cardiovascular lesions.
• Dermatological diseases.
• Frequent stress and nervous tension.
• Autoimmune pathologies.
• Parasitic and bacterial diseases.

Based on this, we can conclude that the action of various allergens is the main factor provoking pathological skin reactions.

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Symptoms

The appearance of spots on the legs may be accompanied by an additional clinical picture. Symptoms depend entirely on the cause of the rash and the characteristics of the patient's body. If the rash is associated with an allergic reaction or nervous tension, then the following symptoms occur:

• Local increase in temperature.
• Itching, dryness and flaking of the skin.
• The spots turn into blisters with liquid.
• Crusts form in place of the red marks.
• The rash takes on a brown tint.

Red spots on the legs caused by deteriorating liver function are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Yellow skin tone.
• Frequent attacks of nausea and vomiting.
• Increased sweating.
• Pain in the liver area.
• Stool disorders.
• Changes in appetite.
• Bitter taste in the mouth.
• Elevated body temperature.
• Brown color of the tongue and the appearance of cracks.

If the disorder is associated with an infectious process in the body, then the clinical picture is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Elevated body temperature.
• Headaches and dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever and chills.
• Increased drowsiness, weakness and fatigue.
• Severe itching all over the body.

In addition to the above symptoms, skin reactions in infectious pathologies can appear not only on the legs, but also in other areas, gradually affecting the entire body. For example, with rubella, the rash begins on the upper and lower extremities, then moves to the face, back, chest.

Read more about the types of spots on the legs in this article.

First signs

The clinical picture of dermatological disorders is based on the degree of action of the factors that provoked it. The first signs in most cases are manifested by a deterioration in general health. Headaches occur, possibly an increase in temperature, including in the area of the rash, itching and burning.

The appearance of such symptoms is already a reason for an adult or a child to seek medical help. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help prevent further progression of symptoms and eliminate the root cause of the painful condition.

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Diagnostics red spots on the legs

To accurately determine what caused the rash, you should consult a dermatologist. Diagnostics of red spots on the legs consists of the following methods:

1. Collection of anamnesis and patient interview. The doctor determines the patient's subjective sensations and complaints in order of their importance. Finds out when the first signs of the disorder appeared, whether it was preceded by any disease, the use of new cosmetics, drugs or food products. Living conditions, stay in endemic foci, the patient's age and the characteristics of his body are also taken into account. Past and concomitant diseases, and other factors.
2. Inspection and palpation. The doctor evaluates the appearance of the spots, color, location, structure, and the presence of accompanying symptoms.
3. Laboratory tests. The patient is prescribed a blood test with a leukocyte formula to determine the allergic nature of the disease. Bacteriological culture is also indicated to confirm the microbial nature of the rash.
4. Instrumental diagnostics. Dermatoscopy is performed, i.e. a visual examination of the skin condition. Another common informative method is scraping. It is used to detect parasitic and fungal diseases.

The above-described algorithm for diagnosing red spots allows you to determine the most likely causes of the painful condition.

In addition to a basic examination by a dermatologist, the patient may require additional consultations with related specialists. Thus, a venereologist will help identify venereal diseases, for example, AIDS. A gastroenterologist associates dermatological changes with diseases of the digestive system. If there is a suspicion of disorders in the endocrine system, an endocrinologist consultation is necessary. If the disorders indicate an oncological process, then an oncologist is involved in diagnostics.

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Tests

All necessary laboratory tests to establish the cause of skin changes are prescribed by a doctor. Tests are carried out both at the first diagnosis and during therapy, to determine its effectiveness.

A set of tests for skin rashes:

• General blood test – reveals inflammatory processes and allergic reactions in the body. Allows to exclude dehydration, determine the level of hemoglobin and the general state of the immune system.
• Biochemical blood test – is performed to determine various indicators that affect health. For example, blood sugar levels, protein levels, etc. With its help, it is possible to establish the psoriatic nature of the rash or the impact of the rheumatoid factor.
• Urine analysis – reveals diseases of the kidneys and other internal organs, the state of water-salt balance and the functioning of the genitourinary system.
• Coprogram - a stool analysis is performed to identify helminths that have a toxic effect on the body, reduce immunity, negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cause skin disorders.
• Biopsy - a piece of tissue is taken from the affected area and examined for various harmful microorganisms and fungi.

The above tests allow us to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe treatment or conduct a number of additional studies.

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Instrumental diagnostics

For a more detailed examination and precise determination of the causes of red spots on the legs, instrumental diagnostics are carried out. It consists of the following methods:

• Dermatoscopy is an examination of affected tissues using a dermatoscope or magnifying glass. It allows one to detect the presence of scabies passages and other features of the skin.
• Transillumination – the procedure is carried out in a dark room under oblique rays of light. It is prescribed to determine the skin relief and its appendages.
• Luminescence – a study using a Wood's lamp. Allows to detect fungal infections.
• Scratching - scraping to reveal hidden scaling, serous wells or edema. Reveals psoriasis, eczema, mastocytosis.
• Diascopy – the doctor presses on the skin using a special glass. This is necessary to determine the true shade of the epidermis and eliminate hyperemia. Determines vascular, pigment, hemorrhagic changes.

All of the above studies are prescribed to clarify the diagnosis and are carried out in laboratory conditions.

Differential diagnosis

In most cases of skin rashes, differential diagnostics are performed to make a final diagnosis.

Let's look at a comparison of the most common types of skin changes and their symptoms:

Disease	Features of the rash	Symptoms (itching, flaking)
Allergic reactions	Several spots appear on the legs and sometimes on other parts of the body. They can rise above the surface of the skin and merge.	Patients complain of severe itching, possible runny nose, dry cough, and increased lacrimation.
Eczema	One or more red spots appear on the leg. Gradually, blisters with liquid contents form on them. After they open, a wet surface forms on the body, which turns into small red crusts.	There may be slight itching and pain when the wounds are wet.
Mycosis (fungal infection)	Changes with a clear outline, most often located on the foot.	There is severe itching and flaking.
Hemangioma	It resembles a small red birthmark, but increases in size when the skin is stretched.	It is not accompanied by any subjective symptoms.
Diabetes mellitus	A defect on the leg most often occurs at the site of an abrasion or wound that does not heal for a long time.	There is itching and flaking. The patient complains of intense thirst and a tendency to pustular diseases.
Psoriasis	They appear on the extensor surfaces of the limbs.	The rash is itchy and flaky.
Photodermatosis	Several different spots form on the legs and other parts of the body, rising above the level of healthy tissue. The rash can turn into blisters with a cloudy liquid.	Occurs in the warm season, accompanied by slight itching.
Hemosiderosis	Reddish-brown formations appear on the skin, which gradually spread from the legs to the body.	There are no symptoms.
Burn	The rash has blurred borders and may have a blister on top.	There is no itching or flaking, but there is severe pain, which is reduced by contact with cold water or an ice compress.
Lichen planus	Hyperemic defects with a characteristic depression in the center protrude above the skin level. The rash is most often localized on the shins and feet, has a purple tint and can merge into large foci.	Itching and flaking are present. The rashes form not only on the legs, but also on the mucous membranes, abdomen, and elbow folds.
Syphilis	Pale red changes with blurred borders. Formed on the legs, feet, palms and other parts of the body. About 10 new rashes appear per day, which gradually acquire a bright red color.	The patient is not bothered by anything.

Differential diagnostics helps to minimize the risk of making an erroneous diagnosis and prescribing the wrong treatment.

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Treatment red spots on the legs

How and what to treat red spots on the legs depends entirely on the results of the diagnostics.

Complications and consequences

Any dermatological reactions left without medical care and treatment can lead to serious problems. The consequences and complications of red spots on the legs depend entirely on the cause that caused them.

• If the rash is associated with allergic reactions, then without eliminating the irritant and using antihistamines, the unpleasant symptoms will begin to increase. Difficulty breathing, dizziness, and loss of consciousness are also possible.
• Infectious diseases (scarlet fever, measles, chickenpox, etc.) require special attention. Without timely treatment of the underlying disease, pathological symptoms will progress, negatively affecting the functioning of the entire body.
• With various metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, there is a risk of developing diabetic foot and a number of other life-threatening problems.

It is also worth remembering that in some cases skin disorders are a symptom of HIV or cancer. In this case, the lack of therapy can cause death.

Red spot on leg grows

Many diseases and allergic reactions are characterized by the appearance of a rash, which, with prolonged exposure to the irritant and without appropriate treatment, begins to spread throughout the body and grow.

When faced with such a problem, when a red spot on the leg grows, you should immediately visit a dermatologist. Such a pathological process may indicate advanced chronic diseases or a persistent allergic eczematized process. To establish the cause of the painful condition, it is necessary to pass a series of laboratory tests and undergo instrumental diagnostics. If there is one change on the body, then a biopsy may be performed to determine its onco-status.

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The red spot on my leg won't go away for a long time

If the red spot on the leg does not go away for a long time, you should seek medical help. A dermatologist will collect anamnesis and conduct a set of diagnostic measures that will help to establish the cause of the disorder and begin its treatment.

It is strongly recommended not to let such symptoms take their course, especially if they are accompanied by additional disorders in other organs and systems. Since in some cases, the growth of neoplasms on the skin indicates their malignant origin or metastasis from other organs.

Prevention

In order to minimize the risk of red spots and other rashes on the legs, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and follow simple recommendations. Prevention consists of:

• Eliminate allergenic foods from your diet and minimize contact with irritants.
• Use new cosmetics and medications with caution, conduct a preliminary allergy test (apply to the bend of the elbow).
• Maintain personal hygiene.
• Get vaccinated regularly.
• Avoid contact with infected people.
• Exercise caution when visiting public places (bathhouse, shower, swimming pool, etc.).
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes made from breathable natural materials.
• Protect your skin with sunscreen when exposed to ultraviolet rays for long periods of time.
• Wear closed, light clothing when relaxing outdoors.
• Treat any disease promptly, preventing the risk of it becoming chronic.
• Have regular routine check-ups with your doctor.

The above-mentioned preventive measures help to minimize the risk of skin diseases. Also, do not forget that if any pathological symptoms appear, you should immediately seek medical help.

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Forecast

Red spots on the legs, like any disease, must be correctly diagnosed and treated. The prognosis of such rashes depends entirely on the cause of their appearance, the stage at which they were detected and the individual characteristics of the patient's body. As a rule, with timely medical care, even dangerous viral or malignant disorders can be cured with minimal complications for the body.