Legs: picture: pexels
Have you ever noticed mysterious dark spots on your legs and wondered where they came from? Whether it’s from shaving, sun exposure, bug bites, or an old injury, these spots can seem to pop up out of nowhere. But what exactly causes them?
From hyperpigmentation to circulation issues, there are a variety of reasons why dark spots might appear on your legs. Let’s dive into the most common culprits and what you can do to prevent or treat these pesky spots for smoother, more even-toned skin.
Healthline claims that sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, diabetes, and melanoma are common causes of dark spots on the skin. It is further mentioned that sun damage is the leading cause for people with light skin, while post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can occur from acne, eczema, psoriasis, or skin injuries.
“Some people with diabetes develop a resistance to insulin. This can prevent the body from properly using the insulin produced by the pancreas. As a result, excessive amounts of insulin can build up in the bloodstream. This can cause a dark band of skin that’s likely to appear around the neck. This is known as acanthosis nigricans and doesn’t generally occur on the legs.”
The Physicians Vein Clinic states that brown spots on the legs can indicate chronic venous insufficiency, a vein disorder caused by weak or damaged valves. This is said to result in vein wall weakening, leading to vein stretching and dilation, causing fluid leakage and skin discolouration. Other symptoms are said to include leg heaviness, aching/fatigue, swelling, muscle cramps, and leg ulcers.
According to the Sakra World Hospital, topical treatments like creams, lotions, and ointments can lighten dark spots, while chemical peels, laser therapy, and cryotherapy target melanin for skin rejuvenation and exfoliation.
