What is hemosiderin staining?
Hemosiderin is a condition that most often occurs in the lower legs, ankles and feet. The staining results from a blood protein containing iron leaking from damaged blood capillaries. The staining it causes usually looks like brown, red or yellow coloring on the skin.
What are some causes of hemosiderin staining?
- Chronic venous insufficiency — Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the primary causes of hemosiderin staining. CVI is a condition in which the blood vessels become damaged and cause chronic circulatory issues. Staining is one of the symptoms that may present itself in CVI patients.
- Other underlying vascular conditions — Chronic venous insufficiency isn’t the only condition that may cause hemosiderin staining. Other conditions, like cardiovascular disease, may be to blame for this symptom.
What can be done about hemosiderin staining?
- Get regular exercise — Regular exercise and everyday movement is a good way to help improve your circulation throughout your body. If you have hemosiderin staining, you most likely have circulatory issues, and these issues can most often improve with daily exercise.
- Wear compression stockings — A medical professional will likely prescribe you compression socks or stockings to help prevent blood pooling in your legs.
- Topical creams for lightening — Your doctor could prescribe you topical creams meant to lighten the areas of your skin that have become darkened. Topical creams are a cosmetic treatment solution, but they’re not effective at treating the hemosiderin at its source.
Contact United Vein & Vascular Centers for your vein condition
You don’t have to continue worrying about symptoms of vein conditions that are making your life more difficult. Our vein specialists at United Vein & Vascular Centers are here to help you. Each of our team members understands the uncertainty and discomfort that vein problems can lead to, and that’s why they’re committed to helping you better understand your condition, your symptoms and the options you can use to address them.
Our specialists can also help you find the most effective treatment option for your vein condition and include it in a comprehensive treatment plan that’s designed to:
- Reduce your symptoms.
- Improve your ability to walk and perform other normal daily tasks.
- Increase your overall quality of life.
Contact us today to learn more about your vein condition and the ways it can be treated or to set up an initial appointment.
