Medical expert of the article
New publications
Why did brown colored spots appear on the legs?
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Today, brown spots on the legs are considered one of the leading pathologies observed in medical practice. Children, adults, and the elderly suffer from them. Many ignore their appearance, considering them to be facts unworthy of concern, but this is in vain. In fact, few people think about the fact that such minor manifestations on the skin can serve as a signal that indicates to us the need to pay attention to our body. They can be harbingers of a serious disease. And if you take them responsibly, you can promptly detect the disease and take the necessary measures, preventing its further development.
Cause
Often the cause is increased production of melanin, a brown pigment that provides the appropriate skin color. Its production can increase under the influence of stress, in the sun, and with age.
Spots can be a reaction of the skin to various irritants, unfavorable factors, ultraviolet light, cosmetics. The phenomenon of malignancy, in which malignant degeneration of skin cells occurs, is increasingly common. This is mainly due to the negative impact of new technologies, skin care products, and hair removal techniques. Often after using an epilator, hairs grow into the skin, which causes inflammation and the appearance of red spots.
Various diseases of internal organs can cause the development of spots. Thus, with diseases of the kidneys, liver, adrenal glands and pancreas, numerous chloasmas can develop. Newborns often have lentigo, which are brown spots of fairly large sizes. Associated with increased keratinization of the skin, often called birthmarks.
Freckles are small spots that can vary in severity. They are caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays, so they become more noticeable in spring and summer when there is more sunlight.
Spots can be a consequence of hypovitaminosis. They are especially pronounced with a lack of vitamins A, PP, C. They can be a sign of diseases such as neurofibromatosis, versicolor or shingles. Sometimes spots appear against the background of diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis.
Quite often the cause is allergic reactions, skin irritation by synthetic fabrics. This can be especially pronounced in women who wear nylon tights. Thick synthetic clothing can disrupt microcirculation and air exchange, which is what causes the spots. This also includes poor nutrition, frequent stress, and metabolic disorders.
The causes can also be found at the local level: with a violation of local blood circulation, compression of certain areas by tight clothing, accessories. Microcirculation disorders, varicose veins, thrombosis, arthritis and arteritis, and even heart failure can also lead to the appearance of spots. Frequent injuries, microdamage, vascular integrity violations, increased sweating are also considered as etiological factors.
Thus, there can be many causes of pathology, and it is impossible to determine the exact cause without diagnostics.
Brown spot on toenail
Nail spots are mostly caused by fungus. Most often, these are onychomycosis, candidiasis, and other fungal diseases. Infection occurs mainly by contact. Even intra-family infection is possible if family members wear the same shoes. Infection also often occurs in public places: baths, saunas, swimming pools. Therefore, it is important to use only personal shoes and towels when visiting public places. It is better to put on changeable shoes directly indoors. It is preferable to use closed-type shoes.
It is important to take into account that fungus is a very persistent infection and requires long-term treatment. Measures should be taken as early as possible, this is what will be the key to successful treatment. It is necessary to follow all recommendations and undergo a full course of treatment, because if the infection remains, even partially, it will quickly spread to adjacent areas of the skin, which will lead to further progression of the disease. At the site of development of the fungal disease, first there is compaction, then complete destruction of the tissue.
Brown spots on feet
The disease that causes brown spots on the feet is called lipodermatosclerosis. The main symptom is skin discoloration and swelling. The main cause is problems with the veins. It usually develops against the background of varicose veins.
The pathogenesis is based on weakening of the venous valve system, which causes their functional impairment. As a result, blood begins to flow in the opposite direction. This leads to the pressure in the entire venous system increasing sharply, it becomes especially high at the base of the feet. As a result, the tone of the vessels increases, they weaken, fragility increases sharply, and blood spills out. This is how brown spots appear, which are essentially bruises under the skin.
It is important to start treating the disease in a timely manner. Otherwise, the treatment will not be effective, and the disease will only progress. The disease ends with complete paralysis and disability if there is no movement.
Small brown spots on legs
These are usually pigment spots that are quite difficult to remove. They can appear as a result of trophic disorders. They are a consequence of a disorder in the blood composition, in which oxyhemoglobin begins to predominate, and the amount of oxygen is significantly reduced. Blood circulation is gradually disrupted, the degree of saturation of the blood with oxygen and nutrients changes. Metabolic processes in it worsen, which leads to thickening of the upper layer. More melanocytes appear in it - cells that are able to synthesize the pigment melanin. It is this that provides the brown color of the skin.
The melanin pigment performs a protective function. It is designed to protect the body from excessive ultraviolet activity and other harmful factors. The darker the skin, the less susceptible it is to ultraviolet radiation and other negative factors. But excessive melanin production may indicate the development of a disease. The appearance of pigment spots on the body may indicate the development of internal diseases. The darker the spots and the greater their number, the more severe the pathology. Excessive melanin synthesis is also observed during pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, skin burns, especially sunburn, after injuries and during the aging period of the body. Pathology can be genetically determined.
The color of the spots can vary greatly and ranges widely from light brown to dark, almost black. Usually, the spots do not itch, do not peel, do not cause much discomfort, but attract attention. They can increase in size quite quickly, have mostly even outlines, and there can be many of them. If any changes occur with the spots, for example, they begin to grow upward, you need to see a doctor to check the spot. You should contact an oncologist, as this may be a sign of malignant degeneration of the spot.
Often such spots develop against the background of a deficiency or complete absence of vitamins A, PP, C in the body. Therefore, not only symptomatic treatment is important, but also a pathogenetic consultation, during which vitamin complexes are taken orally. Ointments and locally acting medications are used locally, which eliminate the inflammatory process and relieve irritation.
If the cause is circulatory failure, treatment will be aimed at normalizing blood circulation and increasing vascular tone. Diabetes and atherosclerosis often contribute to decreased blood circulation, so it is advisable to maintain sugar levels within normal limits and take medications aimed at normalizing and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
Elderly people also often have such spots. They can be a sign of metabolic disorders, the prevalence of decay processes over synthesis processes, which is quite often observed in old age. It can also be a consequence of autoimmune processes and the accumulation of endotoxins in the body. Often this is due to excessive exposure to the sun in youth.
Brown spots often appear in women and girls who have been using various cosmetics for a long time, undergoing depilation and epilation, and resorting to various cosmetic procedures. If a mole or birthmark is damaged, the risk of malignant degeneration increases.
Brown spots can be the so-called "mask of pregnancy". This is a rash that occurs as a result of hormonal changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman. The progression of the process is facilitated by prolonged exposure to the sun, so it should be avoided. After childbirth and after the end of breastfeeding, the spots usually disappear on their own. If they do not disappear, you can contact a cosmetologist for the necessary procedures.
Often, spots are a sign of versicolor lichen. In this case, the spots can peel, and after they disappear, depigmented lesions appear. It is quite easy to diagnose lichen: you need to apply a 5% iodine solution to the skin. With lichen, the skin will acquire a dark shade.
Also, such small brown spots can occur with Recklinghausen's disease, or neurofibromatosis. With this disease, small brown spots first appear. Gradually, they acquire a pink tint, become quite soft to the touch. After this, soft tissues swell and bones become deformed. If the disease is severe, a tumor may develop, which is localized mainly in the spinal cord and nerves. The disease can have serious consequences, such as blindness, deafness. The disease can be genetically determined.
Brown spots on toes
They often appear on the fingers. This is due to the fact that there is a large flexion surface in the finger area that is subject to rubbing. There is always increased sweating in this area. Therefore, it is easiest for an inflammatory process to form here and for fungus to develop.
In addition, the appearance of spots can be caused by poor nutrition, kidney and liver damage. This may indicate a hormonal imbalance and the normal state of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, which are actively involved in the production of hormones.
A similar picture develops with banal irritation, which occurs due to many reasons, for example, frequent epilation and depilation, frequent use of chemical and mechanical peels. Increased sweating can also lead to irritation, especially if sweat accumulates between the toes. Wearing closed insulated shoes, synthetic socks can be a stimulating risk factor. For many, they are genetically determined. For example, with such a hereditary disease as lentigo, spots can appear with any negative external influences, which are simply triggers. This condition is actually genetic, and is waiting for a convenient moment to manifest itself. Such spots usually peel heavily. This makes it possible to suspect a dermatological disease or deep metabolic disorders.
In particular, poor nutrition, lack of nutrients, minerals. If this is the reason, then the treatment will be the simplest - to provide the necessary amount of vitamins and normalize nutrition.
[ 4 ]
Brown spots on skin of legs
As an independent and separate pathology, such spots rarely appear. The exception is cases of excessive tanning, or excessive amounts of cosmetics, as a result of which the body is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, pharmaceuticals. Very often they appear as a result of peeling, epilation, depilation, when wearing synthetic clothing, in particular, nylon tights.
Most often, spots are one of the symptoms that indicate some disease or failure in the immune system. This can be easily explained by the fact that the skin is a kind of barrier that separates the external environment from the internal. At the same time, it is in contact with both environments and signals the slightest changes. Both endogenous and exogenous factors, serious trophic disorders, vascular fragility, and circulatory disorders can trigger the formation of such a pathological phenomenon. In particular, they are formed with vascular disorders, increased vascular fragility, metabolic disorders. With atherosclerosis, genetic diseases (for example, with neurofibromatosis, dermatitis, erythema). They end with the formation of hemorrhages under the skin, hematomas. Indirectly, they can indicate a severe form of vitamin deficiency.
Sometimes these can be signs of the onset of lichen or psoriasis, in the worst cases - symptoms of severe pigment disorders, in which metabolic processes are disrupted, the number of melanocytes increases, and the amount of synthesized melanin, which is responsible for the development of pigment spots, also increases. Gradually, an increased amount of melanin can trigger the mechanism of uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes, which will end in a cancerous tumor.
Brown spots on big toe
Often this is a consequence of rubbing the toe with hard or small shoes. Excessively warm socks can also provoke the development of spots, especially in the area of the big toe. They develop most intensively against the background of increased sweating of the feet. This can lead to the development of a fungal infection, for which increased humidity and sweat secretions are the optimal habitat. Less often - a sign of lichen, psoriasis, genetic pathologies, lipodermatosclerosis. In many cases, the cause is non-compliance with hygiene rules.
Gradually, in the absence of the necessary therapy, swelling and hyperemia appear, which affect all the fingers and even the foot. This disease often develops against the background of a violation of the vascular flow.
It can be cured only if you know the exact cause of the pathology. To do this, you need to undergo a comprehensive examination. Treatment can only be selected by a doctor based on the diagnostic results. If you start treatment in a timely manner, it can be very effective. Treatment is almost always conservative; surgical methods are resorted to only if conservative methods are ineffective. If the cause is a vascular disorder, then they resort to wearing medical stockings or compression hosiery, which allows normalizing blood microcirculation in the vessels of the lower extremities. Accordingly, skin nutrition and metabolic processes are normalized. Correct blood outflow occurs, which ensures full hemodynamics. Drug therapy is used, during which local agents (ointments, creams) containing corticosteroids are often used.
[ 5 ]
Brown spots on the shins of the legs
Lesions of the shins can be caused by the development of diabetic and atherosclerotic lesions. Usually, you can trace the signs of symmetry in localization in relation to each other - this is a distinctive feature of these diseases. At the initial stages of the pathology, the distance is 1-2 cm from each other, the size does not exceed several centimeters. Gradually, the spots begin to grow, and the distance between them increases in a similar way. The ankle area is affected mainly in the male part of the population. But these are not the only reasons. Do not forget that a person can have fragile and damaged vessels. Fragile capillaries are especially favorable for the development of hemorrhagic spots. Subcutaneous hemorrhage, a small hematoma, and dermopathy can also develop. Therapeutic effects begin with dietary correction, the sooner the better, since the disease can progress. Medications are also used that are aimed at restoring the integrity of blood vessels and normalizing blood circulation.
Similar spots can develop against the background of lipoid necrobiosis, as the structure of the vessels is damaged and changed. Gradually, atrophy of the affected areas occurs, they gradually acquire an erosive character, and can develop into an ulcer. Usually at this stage, they become quite painful. Corticosteroid drugs can be recommended, which are administered to limited areas. They will help eliminate the pathological process. Thus, necrobiosis manifests itself exclusively as spots of various sizes, brown in color. They can peel and cause discomfort. To prevent and prevent further progression, you need to spend more time in the fresh air, lead an active, mobile lifestyle and eat right.
Brown spots on legs itch
One of the symptoms of a rather serious disease is puritis. At first glance, the disease is safe and manifests itself unobtrusively. However, it is necessary to remember its serious consequences. The spots begin to itch a lot, and gradually the itching intensifies so much that it is impossible to bear. It drives a person crazy, does not allow him to sleep at night, resulting in nervous exhaustion and a person earns neurosis. Spots that itch are an indication that you need to urgently see a doctor, no matter what color they are. It is also important to remember that the spots cannot be scratched, since you can bring in an infection, and inflammation and damage to adjacent areas of the body will occur. During scratching, even if it seems to a person that he is not scratching the spots, microtraumas and microscratches occur, which are open to the penetration of microorganisms and the impact of negative environmental factors.
They appear with mycosis, dermatitis, inflammatory processes. In the absence of any external causes, urgent medical care is needed, it is necessary to find out the cause of the development of the pathology. This will help to quickly and correctly select the necessary treatment.
Sometimes the cause is an allergic reaction. In this case, it is enough to eliminate the irritating factor, and the pathology will disappear on its own after some time. Sometimes it may be necessary to use special creams, especially moisturizing ones.
But it happens that the spots do not disappear after the irritant is eliminated, but only continue to spread. In this case, it is worth resorting to the use of antihistamines, undergoing an examination. Complex therapy may be needed.
[ 6 ]
Brown spots on arms and legs
Blisters often appear, outwardly resembling the result of prolonged (single) contact with nettles. From the hands, urticaria spreads to the abdomen and chest area, and if left untreated, it can cover the entire body. It can have an unfavorable outcome, including anaphylactic shock and progressive Quincke's edema, in which the respiratory tract and larynx swell. This can lead to suffocation and death. Therefore, you need to see a doctor when the earliest signs of the disease appear, or call an ambulance if the disease progresses.
[ 7 ]
Brown spots on legs with varicose veins
Varicose veins are a fairly serious disease of the veins, which is accompanied by pain in the legs, swelling, and the appearance of brown spots. It is not considered a fatal disease, but nevertheless, it leads to the development of congestion, in which blood circulation is severely impaired, and the work of the heart is significantly complicated, since the load on it increases. Another possible complication is thrombophlebitis, or trophic ulcer, in which blood clots develop, and the hemostasis system is disrupted. This can even lead to death.
The first signs of varicose veins are swelling, which passes fairly quickly. Then, over time, brown spots appear, accompanied by severe itching and burning. At first, the spots are small, smooth, with even edges. Gradually, their diameter increases, the smoothness and evenness of the edges are lost, and vesicular manifestations may also develop. They pass, then reappear. Without treatment, the disease can progress, severe dermatitis appears. If there were relatively light spots, they are a consequence of blood stagnation.
The main location of the spots is the ankles. The consequence may be varicose dermatitis, cicatricial wounds. Trophic ulcers may form. Therefore, the disease must be treated. Treatment begins with returning the skin to its natural shade. To do this, it is necessary to eliminate vascular disorders. Various physiotherapeutic and medicinal means are used. After normalization of the skin tone, treatment of skin dermatitis begins.
Most specialists have verified in practice the ineffectiveness of conservative methods against the background of venous dilatation, so they resort to surgical methods. There are cases when it is impossible to cure, and brown spots do not go away, so they resort to laser correction.
Any treatment necessarily includes nutritional correction, the use of vitamins and minerals. In conservative treatment during the entire therapy, and in surgical treatment at the stage of postoperative rehabilitation, special support underwear, a specially designed diet, a set of individual physical exercises are required. Swimming, special breathing and relaxation practices have a positive effect. Of the physiotherapy procedures, the most effective are electrical procedures, myostimulation, electrophoresis with a solution of drugs. Folk and homeopathic remedies can also be included in the complex therapy.
Brown spots on legs with diabetes
Spots of any shade, including brownish, never appear in a normal state of the body. This is a fairly common sign that the body requires careful attention. Perhaps vital processes have been disrupted, hidden diseases have appeared, the optimal regimen and nutrition have been disrupted.
The values tend to vary widely from 1 millimeter to several centimeters.
A distinctive feature is the symmetrical appearance of spots on both sides. Gradually they increase, become more expressive, dark. They become atrophic. Almost always this symptom appears in men and extremely rarely in women. It is especially pronounced in those who have suffered from diabetic disorders for a long time, dysfunction of blood microcirculation in the vessels.
[ 8 ]
Rough, dry, brown spot on leg
There is a pronounced tendency towards hyperpigmentation, and increased production of melanin occurs. This leads to an increase in the number of melanocytes – cells responsible for the synthesis of melanin. These two processes are interdependent.
A brown dry spot on the leg indicates the development of a pigment spot. A fairly common phenomenon, which is observed mainly in women aged 25 to 27 years. It is necessary to understand the mechanism of development of such spots in order to be able to prevent their appearance. Any damage to the skin can be a trigger for the pathological process, so you need to be careful with the skin, avoid damage. People who do hair removal are most at risk, since microtrauma of the skin occurs during these procedures. The risk also increases with frequent use of chemical and mechanical peels.
Brown spots on the folds of the legs
An ideal surface for the formation and accumulation of various particles, as well as for the reproduction of microorganisms. This is where various spots develop quickly. You cannot neglect them, you should pay attention, observe them, and even better - start selecting the necessary treatment. Self-medication is not allowed, since you can only aggravate the situation, causing complications. Often they are just an echo of some other serious disease. They can develop against the background of hypovitaminosis, allergic reaction, exposure to irritants, under the influence of sunlight, or in old age. Pigmentation disorders are usually associated with dysfunction of internal organs, including endocrine glands. They can also be a sign of dysfunction of internal organs, some infectious diseases, allergic reactions. Vascular spots - disruption of blood flow through the vessels, decreased tone, disruption of the circulatory system. They also occur if the vessels are located too superficially, with their accidental injury, subcutaneous hemorrhage.
They can develop with a deficiency of rutin and ascorbic acid, which are responsible for the permeability and integrity of membranes. Sometimes this is a temporary condition that occurs with some disease, taking medications that increase the permeability and fragility of membranes, hypodynamia, so maintaining a sufficient level of physical activity is a must.
Pigmented brown spots on legs
This is a violation of the normal synthesis of pigments. Basically, the production of melanin, which provides the shade, predominates. Therefore, visiting a cosmetologist's office immediately is irrational.
You should first consult a dermatologist, after which he will conduct the necessary examination and, in accordance with its results, receive the necessary treatment. Any cosmetic procedures can only be carried out with the permission of the attending physician, since improperly applied procedures can be dangerous to health. It is especially dangerous to carry out any procedures if there is a risk of developing a malignant neoplasm.
They can mask serious pathologies that develop for various reasons: both external and internal. The spots gradually grow and lighten (photoaging). Manifestations of depigmented spots develop as a result of excessive exposure to radiation, substances, unfavorable environmental conditions, are caused by bruises, increased fragility, injuries, and various damages.
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis is based on the disruption of general processes in the body, and as a consequence, disruptions at the local level. At the local level, tissue and cellular metabolism are disrupted first of all. Melanin synthesis increases significantly, the number of melanocytes increases - the cells that provoke its formation. Gradually, the pigment accumulates in the cells, goes into the intercellular space, which leads to a change in skin color. As a result, the process may stop there, or it may worsen, which will lead to the growth of spots. But in some cases, lightening of the affected areas may also occur.
Another mechanism of pigment spot formation is also known, the essence of which is the disruption of local blood circulation. The skin color may change, swelling appears. Neutrophils migrate to the site of damage, the amount of histamine increases. As a result, varicose veins and other vascular lesions develop. The weakened venous system loses its ability to function normally, as a result of which backflow of blood is possible. Venous pressure increases, vascular tone changes. Then micro-leakage of blood occurs, damage to blood vessels. This leads to the appearance of brown spots.