I do enclose a photo of one of my two front legs (Tibia), but both of them looks the same. I have no pain or discomfort going on that I can feel. Had this now for 3 years...

 

 

In general what is this, I have seen it on other old people, so I understand that I am not the only one. But what is the reason for this miscolored stuff, AND is there anything I can do about it all???

B.t.w. I am 74 years of age and quite OK for my age,

 

Thank you,

Glegolo

 

https://totalityok.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Totality-Venous-Stasis-Dermatitis-1080x675.jpg

 

Chronic venous insufficiency

Google is your friend

 

What is the best treatment for chronic venous insufficiency?

 

 

Lifestyle Changes for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Wear Compression Garments. ...
• Maintain a Healthy Weight. ...
• Increase Activity Levels. ...
• Elevate the Legs. ...
• Avoid Tight Clothing and High Heels. ...
• Avoid Salt. ...
• Moisturize the Skin.

 

I wear sun protection tatooed arm sleeves. If not arms look like your legs. Both cools you and protects you from the sun.

Are you tried in Google or AI Search? 🤔

8 minutes ago, Tarteso said:

Are you tried in Google or AI Search? 🤔

No I was merely hoping for Sheryl to give her opinion, instead of an amateur

like me googling.

 

But thank you all of you, for answering.

Very much appreciated

 

Glegolo

44 minutes ago, sharot724 said:

I wear sun protection tatooed arm sleeves. If not arms look like your legs. Both cools you and protects you from the sun.

Just wondering, what does the sun have to do with anything??

This is an underskin problem. not fear for the sun..

58 minutes ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

https://totalityok.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Totality-Venous-Stasis-Dermatitis-1080x675.jpg

 

Chronic venous insufficiency

Google is your friend

 

What is the best treatment for chronic venous insufficiency?

 

 

Lifestyle Changes for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Wear Compression Garments. ...
• Maintain a Healthy Weight. ...
• Increase Activity Levels. ...
• Elevate the Legs. ...
• Avoid Tight Clothing and High Heels. ...
• Avoid Salt. ...
• Moisturize the Skin.

 

 i agree with that, I do have a similar problem. The poster should visit a doctor specialized in vein problems. If untreated it can be dangerous and lead to thrombosis.

 

 

Is that you Donald?

https://veinscarolina.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/chronic-venous-insufficiency2.jpg

 

CVI

37 minutes ago, glegolo18 said:

Just wondering, what does the sun have to do with anything??

This is an underskin problem. not fear for the sun..

Sure I can explain as I know what  am saying and that is the blood blister is a sun issue.

No need to complain a person recognizes the problem.

But if you need to be my guest...

Could be either  what is called senile purpura, or mild venous insufficiency.

 

Senile purpura is common in older people, due to increased fragility of  blood vessels under the skin. No treatment.  https://dermnetnz.org/topics/senile-purpura

 

In venous insufficiency, blood return to the heart is impaired due to weak valves in the veins (sometimes worsened by obesity) and in addition to the discoloration there would usually be symptoms such as swelling of the legs especially after standing for some time, and leg discomfort - full or heavy feeling, maybe aching, maybe burning, tingling etc.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi

In more advanced stages there will be obvious distension of the veins in the leg and leg ulcers may develop.

 

Venous insufficiency warrants treatment, senile purpura does not. Suggest you consult a doctor to be sure especially if you find your legs swell towards the end of the day or after standing for some time. 

 

 

38 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Could be either  what is called senile purpura, or mild venous insufficiency.

 

Senile purpura is common in older people, due to increased fragility of  blood vessels under the skin. No treatment.  https://dermnetnz.org/topics/senile-purpura

 

In venous insufficiency, blood return to the heart is impaired due to weak valves in the veins (sometimes worsened by obesity) and in addition to the discoloration there would usually be symptoms such as swelling of the legs especially after standing for some time, and leg discomfort - full or heavy feeling, maybe aching, maybe burning, tingling etc.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi

In more advanced stages there will be obvious distension of the veins in the leg and leg ulcers may develop.

 

Venous insufficiency warrants treatment, senile purpura does not. Sugegst you consult a doctor to be sure especially if you find your legs swell towards the end of the day or after standing for some time. 

 

 

Think it's more serious than senile purpura, as I have that and it gives seemingly random odd marks on skin that's been impacted. If its the same on both legs it's unlikely to be that.

21 hours ago, IvorBiggun2 said:

https://totalityok.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Totality-Venous-Stasis-Dermatitis-1080x675.jpg

 

Chronic venous insufficiency

Google is your friend

 

What is the best treatment for chronic venous insufficiency?

 

 

Lifestyle Changes for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

• Wear Compression Garments. ...
• Maintain a Healthy Weight. ...
• Increase Activity Levels. ...
• Elevate the Legs. ...
• Avoid Tight Clothing and High Heels. ...
• Avoid Salt. ...
• Moisturize the Skin.

 

 

Are 'compression garments' no longer considered 'tight?'

1 hour ago, FolkGuitar said:

Are 'compression garments' no longer considered 'tight?'

 

In general, to benefit from a compression garment, it should fit snugly. It should never cause discomfort.

Wear compression socks, elevate your legs, stay active, and avoid long standing or sitting.

On 7/25/2025 at 9:04 AM, glegolo18 said:

I do enclose a photo of one of my two front legs (Tibia), but both of them looks the same.

"...my two front legs..."

How about your back legs, are they ok?

On 7/25/2025 at 9:04 AM, glegolo18 said:

Inside blood (under skin) front leg 

Saw this on Facebook, it may help. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BpuCDSSke/

 

 

I have venous insufficiency in my right leg. Looking at the photo and you saying it has been like this for 3 years now, I would say it is not venous insufficiency. If such were the case, it would show much darker than the photo and would not have taken that long to show as such. Also, if it were V/I, the legs would be swollen just below the knee to about two thirds way down to the ankle. If you are worried about it, as Sheryl says, consult a Vascular surgeon or phlebologist.

On 7/26/2025 at 5:50 PM, Liverpool Lou said:

"...my two front legs..."

How about your back legs, are they ok?

 

I chortled!

 Anyone wno believes anything that they see on fakebook is as stupid as the people that put it on there.

Looks like you have been on blood thinners.  I have same look on my legs.

On 7/25/2025 at 6:38 PM, Sheryl said:

Could be either  what is called senile purpura, or mild venous insufficiency.

 

Senile purpura is common in older people, due to increased fragility of  blood vessels under the skin. No treatment.  https://dermnetnz.org/topics/senile-purpura

 

In venous insufficiency, blood return to the heart is impaired due to weak valves in the veins (sometimes worsened by obesity) and in addition to the discoloration there would usually be symptoms such as swelling of the legs especially after standing for some time, and leg discomfort - full or heavy feeling, maybe aching, maybe burning, tingling etc.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16872-chronic-venous-insufficiency-cvi

In more advanced stages there will be obvious distension of the veins in the leg and leg ulcers may develop.

 

Venous insufficiency warrants treatment, senile purpura does not. Suggest you consult a doctor to be sure especially if you find your legs swell towards the end of the day or after standing for some time. 

 

 

one op suggests not to wear tight clothing but suggests compression socks , i have the same on my right foot and leg so bought the socks and they are extremely tight , i have a long flight in a couple of weeks 

On 7/26/2025 at 5:50 PM, Liverpool Lou said:

"...my two front legs..."

How about your back legs, are they ok?

I Think he meant to say " The front of BOTH  of my legs "

1 hour ago, ancharee said:

one op suggests not to wear tight clothing but suggests compression socks , i have the same on my right foot and leg so bought the socks and they are extremely tight , i have a long flight in a couple of weeks 

Compression socks should be made to measure. At least your foot/leg should be measured  & socks chosen accordingly. There is a difference between ordinary flight socks & medical compression socks.

On 7/26/2025 at 8:37 PM, cheskakim said:

Wear compression socks, elevate your legs, stay active, and avoid long standing or sitting.

I  have the same problem as chesa and have to wear compression stockings on both legs to get the blood flowing to the heart. He could have stroke problems one day if there is not a good blood flow. I had ultra sound scans  on my legs to see if there was any blockages.

57 minutes ago, Blueman1 said:

I Think he meant to say " The front of BOTH  of my legs "

"Do humans eat more bananas than monkeys?"

 

" I don't know, i've never eaten a monkey."

On 7/25/2025 at 9:04 AM, glegolo18 said:

I do enclose a photo of one of my two front legs (Tibia), but both of them looks the same. I have no pain or discomfort going on that I can feel. Had this now for 3 years...

 

 

In general what is this, I have seen it on other old people, so I understand that I am not the only one. But what is the reason for this miscolored stuff, AND is there anything I can do about it all???

B.t.w. I am 74 years of age and quite OK for my age,

 

Thank you,

Glegolo

 

You can get these “purpura” (spelling?) bruises on your shins or actually anywhere where your skin is thinner, like typically on your shins, more often as you age. Yes, improved circulation is needed (vibration plate?), gym, exercise?  It can also be due to using corticosteroid medication/inhalers over time.  These drugs tend to damage and thin your skin (and other body parts) when used over time.

one of the many happy side effects of drugs!

On 7/25/2025 at 7:20 PM, BritManToo said:

Think it's more serious than senile purpura, as I have that and it gives seemingly random odd marks on skin that's been impacted. If its the same on both legs it's unlikely to be that.

I have the same, but in my case exacerbated by inhaled corticosteroids.  Actually, I’ve been using red/ near red /infrared light on my shins.  After diligently doing that daily for about 3-4 months it has GREATLY improved.  More oxygen to the area is created in the blood,  improving mitochondrial ATP production.  I can now even have minor bumps to my shins without problems.  A larger bump, however…….😩 I now do maintenance “photobiomodulation”  on my shins 2-3 times weekly.

1 hour ago, Globalres said:

I have the same, but in my case exacerbated by inhaled corticosteroids.  Actually, I’ve been using red/ near red /infrared light on my shins.  After diligently doing that daily for about 3-4 months it has GREATLY improved.  More oxygen to the area is created in the blood,  improving mitochondrial ATP production.  I can now even have minor bumps to my shins without problems.  A larger bump, however…….😩 I now do maintenance “photobiomodulation”  on my shins 2-3 times weekly.

But the photo in the OP isn't purpura.

I can see blood pooling in the ankle which OP claims is symmetrical in both legs, so indicates a circulation problem or maybe diabetes.

1 hour ago, Globalres said:

I have the same, but in my case exacerbated by inhaled corticosteroids.  Actually, I’ve been using red/ near red /infrared light on my shins.  After diligently doing that daily for about 3-4 months it has GREATLY improved.  More oxygen to the area is created in the blood,  improving mitochondrial ATP production.  I can now even have minor bumps to my shins without problems.  A larger bump, however…….😩 I now do maintenance “photobiomodulation”  on my shins 2-3 times weekly.

Some of the responders to the OP might benefit from the use of this.