Soft tissue damage after falls and impacts is associated with pain, swelling and bruising. If redness and swelling of the leg appears without a bruise, and is accompanied by acute pain, most likely the problem is due to problem blood vessels. Varicose veins are one of the causes of the inflammatory process.
Varicose veins are a common but underappreciated cause of leg pain. Deeply located vessels do not appear on the surface of the skin. Impaired venous outflow leads to accumulation of blood in the lower extremities. Red spots with varicose veins indicate a far advanced pathological process.
With varicose veins, the superficial veins become enlarged. They are connected by valves to deep vessels into which blood is released. For normal outflow three factors are necessary:
If venous outflow is difficult due to prolonged sitting or spasm of the diaphragm, then the valves experience increased stress. The appearance of varicose veins indicates that the venous outflow has been impaired for quite some time.
Since the veins are fixed to the connective tissue and twist when overfilled, over time the walls of the veins expand and nodes appear. Waste accumulates, microcirculation is disrupted, and inflammation occurs. Obstructed outflow and formation of nodes creates a risk of thrombosis. Redness on the leg with varicose veins indicates thrombosis of the vein.
You need to be careful about leg swelling if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, weakness, or increased blood pressure. When the heart does not have time to cope with pumping venous blood, stagnation occurs. At the same time, the body “feels” a lack of blood and delays the elimination of fluid, which leads to swelling and heaviness in the legs. Heart failure is manifested by swelling of the foot. When pressed, a distinct dent remains on the skin for a long time.
Thrombosis and trophic ulcers are the two most common complications of varicose veins:
Any lesions on the skin of the legs must be distinguished from bruises, allergic reactions, vasculitis (inflammatory process of blood vessels). The appearance of spots that do not disappear for a long time, dry skin and heaviness in the legs are reasons for a visit to the surgeon.
Red spots on the legs indicate varicose veins only in the presence of other symptoms of the disease:
An obvious confirmation of varicose veins is an ultrasound Doppler examination. Using a sensor, the diagnostician monitors blood flow, detecting reflux - the reflux of venous blood back to the veins of the thigh and leg. Ultrasound diagnostics is mandatory if there is sharp pain in the calves when walking, which subsides after five minutes of rest.
Swelling of the legs almost always indicates stagnation. Physiologically, the outflow is disrupted during prolonged sitting or pregnancy, when the veins in the area of the inguinal ligament are compressed - in the place where the legs meet the torso.
With prolonged venous stagnation, lymphatic vessels are damaged. Persistent swelling develops, which does not subside even after an overnight rest. Lymph, rich in protein, forms a breeding ground for bacteria. Lymphedema causes skin infections called cellulitis. The changes cause the skin to become rough, brown and ulcerated.
Sudden redness and swelling of the legs is always a reason to quickly consult a doctor. Deep vein thrombosis develops over 1–2 days, starting with pain while walking. The addition of an inflammatory process can increase body temperature. The skin on the legs feels burning, dry and tight.
Protruding veins are an obvious sign of varicose veins, but do not always indicate the severity of the disease. Often, patients with an extensive network of veins running from the hip downward do not complain about the typical symptoms of the disease for a long time. This stage of varicose veins is called compensated and lasts 10–20 years, depending on the cause of the blood outflow disorder and lifestyle.
Red spots and swelling on the legs combined with pain indicate thrombosis, but skin changes can vary. The color of the spots also differs depending on the cause of their formation and the stage of the disease.
At the initial stage of varicose veins, the outflow through the superficial veins is disrupted, so the microvasculature becomes overfilled and the blood stagnates. Painless redness of the skin occurs, and the vascular network stands out. Pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle and strength training with improper breathing increase venous congestion.
Under pressure, the permeability of blood vessels increases, and fluid escapes into the surrounding tissues. Swelling compresses the capillaries and increases stagnation. Venotonic ointments help little, since red spots on the legs due to varicose veins can be cured only by eliminating the cause of stagnation. Leukocytes - immune cells - penetrate into the place of stagnation, and inflammation develops.
Foot contusions are a common cause of bruises that disappear after a few weeks. If a hematoma occurs after a small blow, then due to the weakness of the vascular wall and blood clotting disorders, extensive intradermal bleeding occurs.
When blood vessels are damaged as a result of injury or excessive compression, substances are released - blood clotting factors. There are hereditary diseases (hemophilia, von Willebrand disease) that interfere with the processes and increase the risk of hematomas. Against the background of vitamin K deficiency, the likelihood of hemorrhages in the skin increases. Deterioration of coagulation is associated with leukemia, liver failure, severe infectious processes and impaired blood cell formation.
Weakness in the walls of blood vessels can be autoimmune or inflammatory, where the immune system attacks its own tissue. But more often the cause is varicose veins, which weaken the venous walls and valves. Blood leaks from the vascular bed, forming spots.
The appearance of yellow and brown spots on the ankles is also associated with varicose veins if accompanied by swelling and thickening of the skin. An increase in venous pressure, along with vascular weakness, leads to leakage of fluid into the intercellular space.
The small brown spots are the result of red blood cells entering the tissue and releasing iron molecules. Dark spots on the legs often remain small, but with significant permeability of the vascular wall, the entire lower leg becomes brown. As a result, dermatitis develops - the skin turns red, inflamed, thickens and becomes stiff. At an advanced stage, lipodermatosclerosis is diagnosed.
Without eliminating the original problem with the veins, the integrity of the skin is compromised and ulcers appear.
Lumps created by varicose veins or thickening of the skin are called lumps. Typically, the skin changes due to eczema, a complication associated with flaking and itching due to impaired blood flow. Areas of fibrosis or nodules along the veins indicate inflammation - thrombophlebitis. Any lumps or thickenings are a reason for urgent diagnosis.
You can get rid of varicose spots if you restore venous outflow. Traditional ways to maintain healthy veins include:
In fact, there is no traditional treatment for varicose veins, which is why surgical intervention is recommended in the later stages of the disease.
Decongestants (venotonics) improve venous function:
The drug Phlebodia 600 contains the active substance diosmin and belongs to the group of angioprotectors. The drug has a dose-dependent effect - this means that while taken it supports the veins. As soon as the course of treatment ends, the trophism can return to its original form.
The product reduces the degree of stretching of veins, improves lymphatic drainage, and therefore relieves swelling. The substance increases the stability of the capillary walls, reduces the accumulation of immune cells of leukocytes on the venous walls - calms inflammation. Analogues of Phlebodia 600 include Antistax and Troxerutin. After 5 hours, the drug is distributed along the walls of the vena cava and is effective for 96 hours.
Detralex reduces the time for emptying the veins and increases the stability of capillaries. The presence of these positive effects of the drug on veins has been proven by clinical studies. The effect was tested in comparison with a placebo (dummy), and confirmed when taking two tablets per day. Detralex and Phlebodia contain the same active ingredient, therefore they work on venous outflow in the same way.
It differs in composition and action of Ginkor Fort, which contains ginkgo biloba extract, heptaminol hydrochloride, troxerutin. The drug increases the tone of the muscle walls of veins and capillaries, reduces their permeability.
Substances suppress molecules that promote the transmission of signals about pain and inflammation, therefore they relieve symptoms well:
The drug reduces the activity of free radicals and lysosome enzymes, preserves collagen fibers. Substances help maintain the integrity of the skin, prevent the appearance of compactions, and increase venous outflow.
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are groups of drugs that reduce the risk of blood clots. Heparin analogues such as Clexane, Aspirin and Tiklid are used. Drugs are prescribed to prevent embolism and damage to deep vessels if thrombosis has already developed. Their side effect can be hemorrhages.
Folk recipes with horse chestnut are available in the form of creams. They are purchased at the pharmacy. At home, compresses made from broken cabbage leaves, which are tied with a bandage to the affected veins, remain relevant. You can do contrast baths, but remember that too hot water increases the manifestations of varicose veins.
If your leg is swollen and red, it is better to consult a doctor, and use additional traditional methods:
External agents improve the condition of the skin, penetrate to the level of subcutaneous tissue and superficial veins, and partially reduce swelling and inflammation.
The surgeon will recommend surgery if thrombosis of the superficial vein has developed and there is backflow of blood. First, anticoagulant therapy and compression hosiery, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce pain and redness.
Surgery is not aimed at lumps and spots, but at tying or gluing veins that are unable to carry blood from the legs to the heart. For small vessels and against stars, sclerotherapy is used - a technique that involves introducing foam into a vein. Surgical techniques remove the incompetent vein, but do not eliminate the cause of the impaired outflow.
Contrast baths are physiotherapy procedures that can be easily performed at home. When taking a bath, you can add baking soda and lemon juice, use aromatic oils - mint, cinnamon, ginger. Do not heat the water temperature above 36 degrees.
In sanatoriums, radon and turpentine baths and mud therapy are used for varicose veins, which reduces inflammatory processes. At home, you can perform cold wraps with salt water, blue clay or sage infusion. Physiotherapy rooms use darsonval, microcurrents and magnetic stimulation.
Changing your lifestyle is a must. Prolonged sitting provokes and maintains varicose veins, as does excess weight. Doctors recommend to reduce congestion:
Therapeutic gymnastics for varicose veins is not only exercises with leg lifts and a bicycle. With each hip flexion, the inguinal ligament is compressed by the iliopsoas muscle, as when sitting. Exercises should be aimed at straightening the hips and strengthening the buttocks:
Walking is an exercise that requires regularity.
Release of the diaphragm to improve venous outflow. Take a 2 liter plastic bottle and fill it with water. Lie on your stomach, placing the bottle along the lower edge of your ribs. Inhale, pushing your ribs to the sides, breathe until the pain disappears. Diaphragmatic breathing involves opening the chest to the sides, which can be seen by the movement of the lower ribs. The lower back does not bend. To free the blood vessels, it is worth visiting an osteopath.
The main complication of varicose veins spots is the formation of trophic ulcers and blood clots. Pigmentation with pronounced venous stagnation indicates that the skin does not receive enough blood and cannot cope with the removal of tissue breakdown products. The result is the development of ulcers, eczema, suppuration, and the addition of another infection.
Spots with varicose veins indicate a violation of the outflow, which is fraught with the formation of blood clots and the development of thrombophlebitis. Almost 30% of patients with thrombosis require emergency surgery within one month.
The main complication of varicose veins spots is the formation of trophic ulcers and the formation of blood clots. Almost 30% of patients with thrombosis require emergency surgery within one month.
Discoloration of the skin on the legs is the last stage of the disease, which can be avoided even by regular walks. Preventive measures must be taken from a young age. Girls should put off their heels for the holidays and wear comfortable shoes. The heel causes pressure on the small pelvis, overloading the muscles, which provokes varicose veins. Throughout your life, monitor diaphragmatic breathing and eat fiber to get rid of constipation.
Modern active life involves each of us so much in its frantic rhythm that sometimes we have to remember about our own health only when some obvious symptoms appear. One of them is redness of the skin on the legs, often accompanied by itching. Having a very different nature of appearance (allergies, insect bites, bruises, injuries, inflammatory processes in the body), red-pink spots can be localized or cover the skin of the legs completely.
One of the causes of redness of the skin is insect bites, and the greatest peak of such foreign interventions occurs during the hot season. Blood suckers (ticks, mosquitoes) inject a substance under the skin that prevents blood clotting. The body reacts to this with redness of the skin and itching sensations. In such cases, you should use drugs whose action is aimed at disinfecting, calming and relieving the inflammatory process. In addition, modern means are focused on preventing the development of an allergic reaction: they prevent an increase in swelling and relieve the feeling of itching.
Such preparations are available in various forms: gels, balms, aerosols, patches, pencils. Creams are considered the most effective. Thanks to the fatty component in their composition, they ensure rapid penetration of medicinal components inside.
Of the drugs presented on the consumer market against insect bites, the following work most effectively: Levomekol, Menovazin, Hydrocortisone ointment, Soventol, Fenistil, Advantan, Akriderm. Traditional recipes recommend applying half a raw potato (cut side) or a cabbage leaf to the affected area.
Redness on the leg can be caused by tight clothing (trousers, tights, leggings) or tight shoes. The skin is unable to breathe normally, causing it to become red and itchy.
Depilation can also cause red spots to appear. Traumatizing the outer layer of the epidermis, it causes hyperemia - increased blood flow to the affected area.
Redness of the skin on the legs may be a consequence of a bruise, which causes swelling of the soft tissues and the possible development of a hematoma. Often a bruise is accompanied by swelling and cyanosis of the skin, painful sensations, and sometimes dysfunction of the joints. It is recommended to relieve swelling and redness through warming physiotherapy, electrophoresis and magnetic therapy. Among the folk remedies, swelling can be reduced with a decoction of calendula and wormwood in the form of warm lotions.
In difficult cases (if the integrity of a large vessel is violated, the inability to move the leg, lameness), the use of antibiotics is recommended, after mandatory consultation with a doctor. If your legs hurt, which doctor should you consult? In this case, the help of specialists such as a dermatologist, therapist and surgeon will be relevant.
Itching and redness on the legs can often be caused by allergic dermatitis, which can also include pale pink spots, blisters and scaly red rashes. Moreover, the affected area is characterized by clear edges. Most often, dermatitis affects the most delicate areas of the legs - the inner thighs and knees. If not treated in a timely manner, inflammation can spread over a large area.
The most common cause of such allergies is hypersensitivity to chromates - salts of chromic acid, which are a common component of shoe leather. Allergic dermatitis is also a reaction to antibiotics, food allergens, household chemicals, washing powder, synthetic clothing and improperly selected shoes. If your legs hurt, which doctor should you consult?
Specialists in the treatment of allergic dermatitis are dermatologists and allergists. Therapy for allergic dermatitis primarily involves avoiding contact with the allergen and administering drug therapy with antihistamines and antifungals. Positive dynamics will be observed in relieving acute symptoms of the disease, reducing the intensity of itching, reducing skin inflammation, and slowing down the process of cell division. In case of complications, antibiotics may be used.
Psoriasis on the legs is a chronic dermatitis of the skin; there is redness on the leg, severe itching, the appearance of single inflamed papules, which over time transform into psoriatic plaques with silver-white scales that are easily removed by scraping. The disease is characterized by an undulating course: acute phases are replaced by periods of remission. The causes of psoriasis are:
Psoriasis can only be treated in a comprehensive way, which consists of using:
Redness on the leg may be a sign of herpes, which indicates the presence of shingles in the body.
This disease develops along the branches of individual nerves and is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, a feeling of numbness, pain along the affected nerve, redness on the skin and swelling. Then the formation of vesicular eruptions with transparent contents occurs, becoming cloudy after a few hours. The bubbles are located in groups and closely adjacent to each other, often merging with each other, forming larger forms. They subsequently burst, causing the affected skin to become wet. This is very dangerous for the feet, as it can be complicated by fungal and bacterial infections.
Treatment of herpes on the legs is carried out with systemic antiviral drugs: Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, Acyclovir. The doctor also prescribes immunomodulators (most often Viferon in suppositories), inducers of endogenous interferons (Cyclofen, Amiksin). It is recommended to lubricate the externally affected areas with an alcohol solution of brilliant green, which causes the elements of the rash to dry out and quickly form crusts on them. Antiviral ointments and creams containing acyclovir must be applied externally. To avoid complications, herpes on the leg is treated only under the supervision of a doctor.
Redness on the leg may indicate the presence of eczema, a chronic disease that has a neuro-allergic nature and affects both men and women with equal frequency.
Causes of eczema:
Treatment of the disease is complex and consists of taking sedatives (Nozepam, Chlozepid, Novopassit, Persen), enterosorbents (Multisorb, Enterosgel, Polysorb, Polyphepan), hormonal ointments (“Oxycort”, “Cloveit”, “Diprogent”, “Betazon”), antihistamines (“Diphenhydramine”, “Promethazine”, “Chloropyramine”).
Redness on the legs, the causes of which have very different explanations, should definitely attract attention, as they can be serious and indicate inflammatory processes occurring in the body.
propolis and stone oil .
Indications for use:
In the early postoperative period after bilateral tonsillectomy (starting from the second day) - gargling with a solution of Septisol at a dilution of 1:50 (5 ml of Septisol - 1 teaspoon - per 250 ml of boiled or distilled water) 4-5 times a day. Course duration is 10 days.
For inflammatory diseases of the nose, nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses ( rhinosinusitis, adenoiditis ), the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are rinsed with a 1:100 Septisol solution. Course of 7-10 procedures.
For the rehabilitation of acute diffuse external otitis - in a dilution of 1:10, for exacerbation of chronic purulent otitis media - 1:50.
For inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity ( periodontitis, gingivitis, stomatitis ), rinse 4-6 times a day at a dilution of 1:50 or apply to the gums for 5-10 minutes 4 times a day. Course 7-10 days.
After tooth extraction, take baths with a Septisol solution diluted 1:50 for 5-7 minutes 4-6 times a day. As a rule, after 3-4 procedures, pain and bleeding disappear.
For gynecological diseases ( colpitis, vestibulitis, vulvovaginitis, endocervicitis, bacterial vaginosis, cervical erosion ), a loose gauze swab moistened with a Septisol solution diluted 1:5 is inserted into the posterior vaginal fornix for 2-4 hours. Course of 10 procedures.
For skin diseases, including herpes rashes , lotions with a Septisol solution diluted 1:5 are applied to the lesions 2-3 times a day. Course 4-7 days.
In the presence of inflammatory processes of soft tissues, compresses are applied locally at a dilution of 1:5 twice a day for 4-6 hours. Trophic ulcers are irrigated with a solution of the drug 3-5 times a day. Dressings are applied to open wounds at a dilution of 1:10 for 1 day. After cleansing the wound, ointment dressings are additionally used. The course is 7-10 days, depending on the healing process.
For neuritis, neuralgia, muscle pain - apply to the skin with a cotton swab at the sites of pain projection, applications for 4-6 hours, compresses for 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the tolerability of the drug.
For insect bites ( mosquito, midge , etc.), apply undiluted Septisol to the bite site with a swab. After 10-20 minutes, unpleasant sensations (pain, itching, etc.) in the bite area disappear.
Applicable to all age groups.