Whether you see it walking through the mall or when you look down at your own legs, all of us have seen the Red Leg at one time or another.

What is the Red Leg?

The term for this condition is hemosiderin staining and inflammation (venous eczema). Hemosiderin staining is defined as dark purple or rusty discoloration of the lower legs caused by chronic venous disease. Venous eczema is the result of chronic irritation of the layers of the skin. The pressure from valve failure forces red blood cells out of capillaries. This causes the destruction of red blood cells and the release of iron. The combined result is a Red Leg.

Is the Red Leg permanent?

In most cases, unfortunately – yes. However, some of the eczema can resolve which can reduce the angry appearance of the leg and to some degree the thickening of the skin. The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of damage to the affected skin and decrease the frequency of further flare-ups or the formation of ulcers (open sores) or other complications.

Associated symptoms: Itching, burning, swelling, induration (thick/hard skin), heaviness, swelling, aching, pain, tiredness, fatigue. Some patients have all of these symptoms, while others have none other than skin discoloration.

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