When should I worry about a rash on my leg?
When should I worry about a rash on my leg?
If you have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms, see a board-certified dermatologist or go to the emergency room immediately: The rash is all over your body. A rash that covers the body could indicate something concerning, such as an infection or allergic reaction. You have a fever with the rash.
What does it mean when you have a rash on your legs?
Cellulitis causes red, painful, tender, hot, swollen skin and may or may not be accompanied by oozing, blisters, red spots, or skin dimpling. It may spread quickly. While it typically affects the lower legs, it can also occur in the face, arms, and other areas. A severe infection may cause fever, chills, and red streaks.
Why do I have red spots on my lower legs?
Lower Leg Redness The most common causes of what looks like a rash or red dots on the lower legs are either immune-mediated inflammation like eczema or psoriasis, or a skin infection like cellulitis. Other causes of red blotches on the lower legs can arise from an allergic reaction to certain foods or contact with poisonous plants.
Why do I have a red rash on my ankle?
Often swelling and redness are most severe at the ankle. The rash is not often itchy, but when it is scratched, it can cause inflammation of the lower leg. Over time the leg may darken as a chemical in the blood begins to stain surrounding tissues. Occasionally, inflammation of the fat can occur and this can cause pain in both legs.
How long does redness on lower leg usually last?
How long does lower leg redness usually last? Lower leg redness is commonly caused by infection, and in mild cases, if the body is able to clear the infection, it can do so in two weeks or less. Stubborn infections may last longer and need medical treatment.
Cellulitis causes red, painful, tender, hot, swollen skin and may or may not be accompanied by oozing, blisters, red spots, or skin dimpling. It may spread quickly. While it typically affects the lower legs, it can also occur in the face, arms, and other areas. A severe infection may cause fever, chills, and red streaks.
What causes redness on the bottom of the legs?
Finally, a simple and very common rash like psoriasis or eczema can also cause redness in the lower legs. Associated characteristics of lower leg redness may include the following. Skin plaques: Large, red, scaly patches of skin that persist. Abscess: A pus- or fluid-filled bump in the skin indicating an infection.
Often swelling and redness are most severe at the ankle. The rash is not often itchy, but when it is scratched, it can cause inflammation of the lower leg. Over time the leg may darken as a chemical in the blood begins to stain surrounding tissues. Occasionally, inflammation of the fat can occur and this can cause pain in both legs.
How to tell if your lower legs are swollen?
1 Pain after sitting or standing for a long time 2 Changes in skin color — you might see clumps of red or purple veins, or the skin on your lower legs might look brown 3 Dry, irritated, cracked skin 4 Sores 5 Achy legs