FAQs
Vascular discoloration refers to a darkening of the ring of tissue that runs around the tuber just below (about a quarter of an inch) the skin. This ring contains the vascular system, phloem an xylem, of the tuber. This appears dark in the raw tuber and darker upon frying (picture of potato chip with discoloration).
What color are your legs with peripheral artery disease? ›
When skin discoloration on the legs is PAD-related, your legs might look reddish, purple, or blue. However, because we all have different skin colors, tones, and textures, there may not be an obvious purple discoloration on the legs or blue discoloration of the skin on the legs when you have PAD.
What does vascular damage look like? ›
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles. Pain (described as burning or aching) at rest, commonly in the toes and at night while lying flat. Paleness when the legs are elevated. Reddish-blue discoloration of the extremities.
What does discoloration of the lower legs mean? ›
Leg discoloration indicates that venous disease is present and, possibly, at an advanced stage. Two possible conditions that will cause leg discoloration are: Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) develops when vein valves are damaged and weak and stop working properly.
Is it safe to eat potatoes with vascular discoloration? ›
The vascular system at the stem end of the potato begins to break down, causing this brown discoloration. This condition is not harmful. Cut the discoloured parts off the potato before cooking or eating the potato.
Should I worry about hemosiderin staining? ›
In and of itself, the accumulation of hemosiderin is not a threat to health. However, because this can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, it would be a good idea for you to be evaluated by your health care provider.
How do you treat leg discoloration due to poor circulation? ›
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to close off varicose veins and improve blood flow, reducing leg discoloration caused by poor circulation. This treatment is effective for conditions like chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
How do you fix poor circulation in your legs? ›
You can improve your poor circulation symptoms in these ways:
- Exercise.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Lose weight.
- Manage your stress.
- Wear compression gloves or stockings.
How do you know if you have vascular problems in your legs? ›
Symptoms of peripheral vascular disease
- Intermittent pain (claudication), which may feel like cramps, muscle fatigue or heaviness (usually in the legs)
- Worsening pain during exercise (usually in the legs)
- Easing of pain during rest (usually in the legs)
- Coldness of the affected body part.
- Numbness.
- Pins and needles.
What drink opens up arteries? ›
Pomegranate juice also has nitrate, which can widen blood vessels and facilitate blood flow.
Lying on your back evenly distributes your body weight across the surface. This equal distribution helps you avoid putting excess pressure on any part of your body, which is particularly important for people with PAD.
What is considered the first symptom of peripheral arterial disease? ›
Pain, aching, heaviness, or cramping in your legs that comes when walking or climbing stairs and goes away after rest is called intermittent claudication. It is the most common PAD symptom.
What do legs look like with peripheral artery disease? ›
Discoloration: People with PAD may notice that the skin on their legs or feet is blue or purple in color. This occurs when the skin doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Dry, itchy, or scaly skin: Without enough blood, skin cells can't renew as quickly. This can lead to skin-related symptoms.
Why do my legs look purple and blotchy? ›
Also called marbled skin, livedo reticularis is a normal and usually harmless body response that causes your skin to become pale and covered in red or purple patterns. It's usually caused by cold temperatures and will go away without treatment.
Why have I got brown patches on my legs? ›
Brown Spots Can Appear on the Legs for Many Reasons.
Pigmentation on the legs can be age spots or dark spots caused by sun exposure over a period of time. In more serious cases, these brown spots can be an early symptom of an underlying condition such as chronic venous insufficiency.
What causes vein discoloration? ›
Varicose veins, skin discoloration occurs during the more advanced stages of venous reflux. The initial redness is from inflammation. As blood continues to pool under the skin, the breakdown of red blood cells causes the skin damage to advance and take on a tan or reddish-brown appearance.
What does vascularity look like? ›
Vascularity, in bodybuilding, is the condition of having many highly visible, prominent, and often extensively-ramified superficial veins. The skin appears "thin"—sometimes virtually transparent—due to an extreme reduction of subcutaneous fat, allowing for maximum muscle definition.
What are the three common types of discoloration? ›
These may include: birthmarks, which are discolored skin spots that may be present at or shortly after birth. pigmentation disorders, such as melasma, albinism, and vitiligo. medical conditions, such as rosacea, psoriasis, and Graves' disease.
What are vascular abnormalities of the skin? ›
Vascular lesions include acquired lesions (eg, pyogenic granuloma, nevus araneus) and those that are present at birth or arise shortly after birth (vascular birthmarks). Vascular birthmarks include vascular tumors (eg, infantile hemangioma) and vascular malformations.