Brown spots on legs pictures

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Consensus Meter

Yes

Possibly

Brown Spots on Legs: Causes and Visual Characteristics

Chronic Swelling and Hyperpigmentation

Chronic swelling of the lower legs can lead to the development of brown hyperpigmented patches. In a case involving a 69-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure and deep venous thrombosis, the patient exhibited bilateral pitting edema and violaceous erythematous scaling patches. The left anterior tibial surface showed brown hyperpigmented patches with fine scales and speckled black pigment. This condition is often associated with underlying vascular issues and chronic venous insufficiency.

Segmental Lichen Aureus in Children

Segmental Lichen Aureus is another condition that can cause brown spots on the legs, particularly in children. An 11-year-old girl presented with multiple yellowish-brown and brownish-black patches on her left leg, which had been developing since she was 4 years old. These patches were round to oval, up to 1 cm in size, and had a linear distribution. The lesions started as pink macules and gradually turned yellowish-brown and then brownish-black over several months. This condition is characterized by its chronic nature and the absence of systemic symptoms.

Heat-Induced Reticulate Hyperpigmentation

Prolonged exposure to heat can also result in brown discoloration of the legs. A 72-year-old man developed persistent dark brown reticulate patches on his lower legs after spending extended periods near an open gas oven. Initially, the lesions appeared as erythema with burning and pruritus, which resolved in the summer but recurred and became persistent during subsequent winters. The patches were dark brown, reticulate, and had a thick, greasy, yellow scale that could be rubbed off to reveal skin atrophy. This condition, known as erythema ab igne, is caused by repeated exposure to heat.

Conclusion

Brown spots on the legs can result from various conditions, including chronic swelling and hyperpigmentation due to vascular issues, Segmental Lichen Aureus in children, and heat-induced reticulate hyperpigmentation. Each condition has distinct visual characteristics and underlying causes, emphasizing the importance of a thorough clinical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment.