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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Blackish-red Discolored Skin On Lower Legs?

My husbands lower legs are totally discolored, almost purple-blackish red. The skin just flakes off in large areas, his toenails after a fungus desiese all just fell off, now new ones are growing. all topical creams so far failed, he is on anibiotics now, makes no difference. hi is 73, his legs look like they are of a dead-man. Terribly embarrassing, uncoffortable, they also swell a lot. His dr. just tries different creams, none work no blodclods foung, but must be some bad infection or....some internal problem. No, I am not a doctor, but I see his problem getting worse day after day.... helop please
posted on Sat, 9 May 2015
Twitter Wed, 27 May 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 27 May 2015 Last reviewed on
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Purple-black discoloration of legs and flaking of the skin appears to be a primary skin disease.
Purple black discoloration can occur due to bruising, however, the discoloration does not appear to be due to bruises in your case.
Since, you have mentioned that you have had fungal infection of the toe nails, the same fungal infection could have involved the skin also.
Do you have history of diabetes since diabetics are prone to fungal and other infections especially when blood glucose is uncontrolled.
I suggest you to get blood glucose level done if not done previously and consult a doctor for clinical assessment, investigations and management.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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What Causes Blackish-red Discolored Skin On Lower Legs?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Purple-black discoloration of legs and flaking of the skin appears to be a primary skin disease. Purple black discoloration can occur due to bruising, however, the discoloration does not appear to be due to bruises in your case. Since, you have mentioned that you have had fungal infection of the toe nails, the same fungal infection could have involved the skin also. Do you have history of diabetes since diabetics are prone to fungal and other infections especially when blood glucose is uncontrolled. I suggest you to get blood glucose level done if not done previously and consult a doctor for clinical assessment, investigations and management. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri