I was told when I was 42 that I have PAD and leaking valves in my lower legs causing Hemosiderin staining. Is there anything that can be done to remove the staining from my legs?
There really is not an effective treatment for the staining alone, and because of those valves, the staining will continue even if there were treatment because the source of the problem is not treated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Topcial lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) have both been shown to reduce hemosiderin staining, but can be expensive.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You would need to consult with a vascular doctor and have the legs examined before that question could be answered completely. If you have significant pigment changes in your ankles, often it is not reversible. If your venous insufficiency is treated, though, it will typically prevent the condition from worsening over time (the pigment often darkens, spreads, and can even lead to ulcers). Occasionally the pigment changes will lighten after treatment of the vein problem causing it. There are some surface laser procedures that can help lighten the skin to some degree, but they often are temporary solutions and the pigment usually returns over time. Once the skin has been significantly damaged with the hemosiderin pigment and lipodermatosclerosis has set it, it is usually a permanent problem.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Not really. Some lasers may help, but it often resolves with time - can be years. If you take iron supplements it may not go away.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to wear good 30-40mmHg compression hose to eliminate all the sources of superficial reflux.
PAD? This refers to Peripheral Arterial Disease and is not from leaky valves. If you really have this, you may not tolerate strong hose.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
PAD and leaking veins are two very different problems, so I would question who told you this. Hemosiderin staining is one complication of longstanding venous hypertension related to venous insufficiency and is reversible in many cases once the underlying source of reflux is eliminated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Staining from natural vein disease will not generally resolve after vein treatments. Staining may occur after vein treatments, but with time, staining will pass. Stay out of the sun after any vein procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Leaking valves and hemosiderin deposits are associated with venous insufficiency more often than with PAD (peripheral arterial disease). PAD is a problem with arterial blockages. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to remove the hemosiderin deposits.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Get your venous insufficiency treated and wear graduated compression support stockings under medical direction. Lose weight if you are overweight. Many such patients will find that the hyperpigmentation will improve for more than a year.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to reverse hemosiderin deposits. If you have venous valvular incompetence, then closing the valves may decrease the venous pressure and slightly lighten these areas. A moisturizing cream or a bleaching cream may offer some improvement. However, even with all of the above, significant improvement is unlikely.
Published on Jul 11, 2012