Red spots on your legs can develop due to the consequence of an allergic reaction. Acrocyanosis basically means (in Latin) "blue extremity". Elevation of the legs and the use of compression stockings may be useful. Pain that increases with muscle exertion and diminishes with rest. Such symptoms might indicate circulation issues. Try taking a warm bath, getting a foot massage with warm oils, or resting your feet by the fire with a cup of tea and a good book. 1 The main symptoms associated with swollen legs syndrome are: Swelling in the lower extremities: ankles, knees, feet and legs. As a result, your feet may appear blue or purple when you are sitting, and . tinea, candidiasis, and herpesvirus), including viral infections (measles or rubella) and bacterial infections. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. There are other possible causes though, too. Lorra Garrick has been covering medical . One cause of decreased circulation is atherosclerosis, where arteries are narrowed by fatty deposits and impede blood flow in the limbs. If something injures your foot, it can cause bruising with a range of color from purple through yellow and green as the bruising heals. Conditions that may cause skin peeling include: Allergic reactions. Neuropathy in the feet is a very common condition. Altered consciousness is one of the most obvious signs of death in elderly people. Overview. IPFH does not diagnose or recommend treatments, but the redness could be caused by several things. Athlete's foot can cause hot, itchy, or burning feet. As plaque builds up in our bodies due to fat . Improper footwear like shoes with slippery soles or without proper arch support may also lead to pain. Redness may appear on the fingers and the thenar eminence. 1,896 satisfied customers. Consuming too much salt. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness and atrophy (wasting away) as well as loss of sensation, pain, and tingling, most commonly in the legs and feet but the hands and arms are occasionally affected. Usually, this is normal and harmless. Risk factors include age, hypertension, family history, smoking, diabetes and kidney disease. This causes increased inflammation inside the bone and tiny hairline fractures to outside of the bone. Eczema is the most common erythematous rash in all age groups. And stress or changes in temperature causes vasospasms. Bruising can also result from strains and sprains. It subsides as soon as they move on their feet. Swollen legs may occur for a myriad of reasons. The onset of red dots on the legs is associated with symptoms such as fever, body ache and pain. similar to eczema, but also accompanied by swollen feet fromt he ankle to toes. Aging. Pregnancy. When death is near, one of the common symptoms to appear is fever with rigors and chills. Dermatological Causes. Red Hands Symptoms. Swelling increases late in the day. Edema is often caused by poor circulation, leading the build-up of fluid in the lower extremities (especially the ankles and feet). read more. Blood that pools looses its oxygen and turns blue. A Closer Look at Common Foot Problems in Older Adults According to Banner Health, cellulitis and circulation problems, also known as venous insufficiency or venous hypertension, can cause the lower legs to turn red. Heart or blood pressure medications including Amiodarone and Hydralazine. It can develop after a break in the skin allows bacteria to enter and begin growing. If the kidneys stop working (acute kidney failure), the legs, ankles and feet will likely swell. 25 Environmental conditions or excessive loss of moisture from the epidermis may result in xerotic lesions, which can crack and split. 5. Swelling in the feet and legs is a condition that affects the well-being of the elderly and prevents them from carrying out normal day-to-day tasks. Stage 3 - Sores become deep and craterous; infection spreads. 19. Stage 2 - The wound opens, or looks like a pink blister filled with fluid. Allergic reaction. A common cause of ankle swelling in the elderly, as when joints begin to degenerate, they produce pain and swelling. Causes. The most common cause of a burning feeling in your feet is nerve damage, often related to diabetes. There is a condition wherein your toes turn white, then bluish, and then reddish again. The problem, however, is not limited to women and not necessarily to a particular time of the month. Possible causes of burning feet: Alcohol use disorder Athlete's foot Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Chemotherapy Chronic kidney disease Complex regional pain syndrome (chronic pain due to a dysfunctional nervous system) Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes) HIV/AIDS Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Tarsal tunnel syndrome excessive salt intake) Heart, liver, and kidney disease Sunburn. 2. Both legs have been extremely itchy for past few days. Infections, including some types of staph and fungal infections. This can take place when an individual has either been on their feet or sitting for too long. Other cause on non-itchy red dots on legs. Dr Kannan: One of the main causes of foot problems among the elderly is ill-fitting shoes. Anti-alcohol drugs like Disulfiram. As a result, fluid accumulates in the body and leads to swelling in the legs or arms. De-Stress. Minor foot injuries heal relatively quickly with non . 1. Sometimes women suffer from idiopathic edema during certain portions of their menstrual cycle. Bursitis will make the affected joint feel stiff and achy, and it will appear red and swollen. Dr. Teitelbaum is a board certified internist and nationally known expert in the fields of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep and pain. In any case, your best choice is to . you may develop red rashes when your skin became direct in contact with a strange substance such dust, pollen grain, detergents, plant poison or any other allergens that can cause skin irritation. Three out of four elderly people over 65 wear shoes that are too small for them. Typically, if someone has cold hands and feet, discoloration is present. It takes many forms, some of which are partly age specific. The condition may be accompanied by red soles of the feet. The most common cause of itchy skin in the elderly, especially in autumn and winter is xerosis or dry skin. Reddish tinge of the palms. 0/250. In cellulitis or gout, the foot will remain red when it is raised, but in ischaemia it will become pale. However, need to get rid of excess fluid and this needs investigations. Fluid build-up, known as edema, happens when the tissues or blood vessels in the legs hold excessive fluid. The hypothenar eminence is the area of the palm that is affected. Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that causes episodes of burning pain and redness in the feet, and sometimes the hands, arms, legs, ears and face. Diseases that cause red hands include erythromelalgia, Raynaud's syndrome and Kawasaki disease, according to WebMD, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and Mayo Clinic. Feverish feeling with rise of body temperature is quite common during the last days. . Other factors contributing to skin aging include the loss of fatty tissue between your skin and muscle, stress, gravity, daily facial movement (smiling and frowning, for example . Antibiotics like fluoroquinolones (including Cipro, Levaquin and Floxin) have been in the news a lot as of late. Circulation issues may also cause red toes. A bacterial infection anywhere on the skin is called cellulitis if it extends under the skin. A guide to different types of leg vein problems in the elderly, how it develops and the different causes and symptoms of leg vein problems in seniors. Edema can occur throughout the body but most commonly affects the lower limbs, especially the ankles. Symptoms of erythromelalgia There are many causes of ankle swelling in elderly. sitting or staying in one position for too long) Heat and burns Surgery Hereditary predisposition High altitudes Unhealthy foods (i.e. happened before and lasted for 10 days then went away. Other causes of red blotches on the lower legs can arise from an allergic reaction to certain foods or contact with poisonous plants. Erythromelalgia usually happens on both . This may cause the feet to seem purple. ADVERTISEMENT. Bursitis is a condition that affects the fluid sacs that cushion your bones, tendons, and muscles. Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome . Thank. It is caused by different types of dermatophyte fungus and is commonly found in damp places such as showers or locker room floors. Cold hands and feet. The body protects the organs like the kidneys from the heat by pushing the warmer blood to the feet and hands to cool off. Diabetes can damage your nerves so that you may not feel small cuts or wounds. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) in infants commonly affects feet and ankles. Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure . All of this extra fluid can result in lower body swelling as well as varicose veins. Bruising is generally caused when small blood vessels under the skin burst, filling up small pockets of skin with dark blood. Some medications can cause the ankles to swell. Discover easy, effective ways to de-stress this winter and give your feet a boost of warmth. The 4 Stages of Pressure Sores in Elderly Patients. 9 Common Causes of Swollen Legs Due to Fluid Buildup. It is due to conditions like varicose veins where the valves in the . Vasospasms, narrowing of the skin cause it. In a mass they appear as a rash. In erythromelalgia, the hands also develop a burning sensation, states WebMD. Cellulitis occurs when bacteria invade through an opening or cut in the skin. 6.1k views Reviewed >2 years ago. Burning feet syndrome, also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a set of symptoms in which the feet often become uncomfortably hot and painful. According to MayoClinic.com, cellulitis causes the skin to become red and swollen 1. Xerosis, or dry skin. 1. Heel Pain Inflammation in the area where the long ligament connects to the heel bone can be the reason. both legs have been extremely itchy for past few days. One of the most likely causes of swelling is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which occurs when the valves in your blood vessels wear down, allowing the flow of blood to slow. Once the legs are dry, the legs and feet can be moisturised again with an ointment e.g. It most commonly affects the legs, ankles and feet. The bacteria can also enter the skin via an insect or spider bite. If that happens that is called phlegmasia. Sitting or standing in one position for a long period of time. Stephanie Chapman/CC-BY 2.0. Circulatory issues and blood clots are also frequently to blame. Other factors contributing to skin aging include the loss of fatty tissue between your skin and muscle, stress, gravity, daily facial movement (smiling and frowning, for example . Red swollen feet may also be the result of infection, being overweight, or taking certain medications. Eczema. Swollen hands and feet is often combined with retained sodium. Then the whole leg can seem purple. Symptoms of erythromelalgia can begin at any age. Systemic foot conditions associated with aging patients include arthritis, gout, and diabetes. Other factors that can as well lead to non-itchy red spots on legs, they include, boils, allergic reaction, heat rash, intertrigo, rosacea, bug bites, measles, Lyme disease, Dermatofibromas, petechiae and diaper rash. Foot ulcers can start as something small like a . This so called Buerger's sign has been questioned, however, and should be interpreted with care. Wearing shoes or socks made from synthetic materials . Hope this helps. Infections (i.e. Hives on legs. Bruising for most people is merely uncomfortable, a reminder to be more careful . Observe for any cracking of the skin, peeling or white, wet skin in between the toes and/or on the sole of the foot as this may be tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and will require prompt treatment with an anti-fungal preparation. Causes for red toes include: Injury Stubbing or dropping something on your toe could cause enough. Consuming too much alcohol. As blood gets accumulated in the feet under the effect of gravity, swelling occurs. Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Tiredness and fatigue. Edema is typically associated with conditions seen in older adults, such as: Congestive heart failure Chronic kidney disease Cirrhosis and other liver diseases 8 Over years, this process may lead to reddening and thickening of . Affected area of the skin is warm to touch. Prescription drugs that are known to cause swollen legs include certain diabetes medicines and some antidepressants. Swelling in the extremities is often caused by idiopathic edema or excess salt consumption. Petechiae can indicate various serious medical conditions 4. They can become tender and sensitive, even very painful, depending on the depth of the bruise and how large it is. Most likely what you are experiencing is called edema. The pain from burning feet can be . You don't mention pain, or a sensation of heat or cold. Additional causes of edema swelling in the ankles of an elderly person: kidney or liver disease, low thyroid, celiac disease and excessive salt/sodium intake. It takes many forms, some of which are partly age specific. Discoloration. What skin bruising is. Cause #8: Foot Bursitis. When an elderly adult's blood is not properly circulating, the temperature of their extremities tends to fluctuate. 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. Here is a list of a few causes of purple feet to think about in elderly people. It most often affects shoulders, hips, and elbows, however it can also affect knees, heels, and big toes. As the blood pools, the pressure inside the veins builds, causing the veins to leak. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Bedsores, if not treated immediately, can increase in seriousness through four stages: Stage 1 - Skin is intact, but discolored and painful. Acrocyanosis Perhaps the most common cause for purple feet or purple toes in general is acrocyanosis. Fluid Buildup (Edema) Fluid buildup or edema is the most common cause of foot swelling in the elderly. There are a number of causes for neuropathy occurring in the feet, including: Diabetes (the . This unwelcome fluid irritates and inflames . 1. Swelling is technically known as edema, and it's quite common in older adults. This condition is called Raynaud's disease. Eczema is the most common erythematous rash in all age groups. For all kinds of eczema and dermatitis there are the same three management rules: remove underlying causes, such as irritants, allergens or oedema, when possible In elderly people, it is worth excluding the most serious of causes such as heart failure, kidney failure or even liver problems. Fungal Infections. The more important causes in the elderly includes: Venous insufficiency where the leg veins are compromised and the blood from the legs cannot return to the heart efficiently. What Diseases Causes Red Hands As a Symptom? If the itch is severe enough, secondary skin lesions can develop by way of . Various factors can cause edema, including lifestyle, illness, or medication. Edema in elderly patients can occur as a result of the following: Blood clots Physical inactivity (i.e. Furthermore it has to battle against the downward pull of gravity to return to . The redness could also be an allergic reaction, or could possibly be an indication of other conditions. Blood ends up pooling in the feet. Managing red legs in the elderly depends on diagnosis. Athlete's foot is a very common fungal infection of the skin that affects the web spaces between the toes, and soles of the feet. This can lead to swelling. There are two major causes of swollen feet in the elderly. Raising the foot provides another clue. These conditions often include corns, calluses, nail disorders, bunions, and hammertoes, to name a few. The most common dermatological change that occurs in elderly people is xerosis, or dry skin. Menstruation and/or PMS. Disorientation. Nerve Damage 1. If the clot is even worse it can elevate the pressure in the leg to block artery flow. 9 /17. Edema, or fluid retention, is another common culprit which may be caused by a number of things. Psoriasis is a condition characterized by the overproduction of the skin cell reaching a level of beyond the average production of skin cell. Loss of hair on the legs or slower hair . The most common medications to cause neuropathy are: Chemotherapy drugs such as Cisplatin. According to the Neuropathy Association, over 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy in the feet. Aging feet need special care as the risks for chronic foot problems increase. Some people may have had it from early childhood, while some are only affected as adults. Cancer and cancer treatment. Pauline. These cells carry some red pigment that, over time, may turn black in color. the feet, ankles and lower legs - are so far from the heart, it does not have pressure to return to the trunk. Elderly people mostly get it after standing for a long time or when traveling by flight or vehicle for long hours. Epaderm/Hydromol. Do not forget that the same causes of non-itchy red spots can also trigger itchy spot . Red toes causes If your toes turn red, you'll usually have more symptoms than just discoloration. Injury. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a genetic disorder caused by a gene mutation that damages the myelin, the protective layer . Many Reasons: There are many causes for swollen feet/edema which range from congestive heart failure, blood clots (dvt), infection, tight shoes, trauma, and other r. Read More. Genetic disease, including a rare skin disorder called acral peeling skin syndrome that causes painless peeling of the top layer of skin. Your healthcare provider may recommend an x-ray or other imaging, depending on the circumstances. The main medical problems that cause cold feet are decreased circulation in the extremities and nerve damage, known as neuropathy. Heat causes the blood vessels to dilate. The most common cause is called "primary". Overweight individuals may experience red swollen feet. Elder Care: Heat and Humidity. Immune system disorders. This can be common in people who are overweight or lead a sedentary . No itchiness, pain or scaling. A rare condition known as Raynaud's syndrome causes the body's small blood vessels in extremities like the feet, fingers, nose, and ears to almost completely constrict when exposed to cold air. It can happen at any age, but it is more common among older adults. This 'dry skin' is quite evident on skin examination, being most pronounced on the lower legs, anteriorly, but also affecting the upper limbs and back. If it's hot and humid, the hot weather can trigger swollen feet and ankles. The medical term for swollen ankles is edema, which occurs when fluid builds up in an area of the body. Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection of the skin. The typical red spots that appear on the feet, ankles and lower legs may sometimes spread up to the thighs and even to the trunk. Damage to nerve fibers, which can lead to a form of pruritus known as "itch without rash". Your feet also might tingle, feel numb, or have jabbing pain. Managing red legs in the elderly depends on diagnosis. HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video. This in turn can cause pruritus and bleeding, possibly leading to infection. It occurs when blood vessels or tissues in the legs accumulate excessive fluid. When these cells end up in your feet, they may contribute to the darker skin color. The swelling may occur in both ankles or only one. There are various causes for peripheral edema, including: Injury or trauma, such as a sprain or fractured bone. It is one of the most common reasons for feet swelling in the elderly. Seizure medications like Dilantin. Arthritis. Circulation problems lead to a variety of conditions that can make all or part of the lower legs turn red, according to the American Diabetes Association. For all kinds of eczema and dermatitis there are the same three management rules: remove underlying causes, such as irritants, allergens or oedema, when possible The blood vessels in those areas constrict in efforts to retain body heat, which results in cold hands and feet. 1. The heat and pain can be limited to the soles of the feet . Being overweight. While an abundance of red blood cells may cause your feet to change color, lack of blood flow may also affect the appearance of your feet. In particular, peripheral vascular disease, which is caused by decreased bloodflow to the leg and foot due to atherosclerosis of the arteries. Pooling blood and leaking fluids are ultimately the cause of skin discoloration in the legs: Venous insufficiency causes discoloration in the legs when blood collects in the veins instead of flowing back to the heart. Cold feet from poor circulation may accompany other symptoms that affect the cardiovascular system including: Bluish or pale tint to the skin ( cyanosis) Pain, heaviness and numbness in your legs. 1. In serious cases, improper footwear may even increase the risk of falling. Most of the people tend to lose the sense of time, place and person. There are many forms of arthritis, but they all have inflammation in . In patients with diabetes, the temperature of an ischaemic foot can be normal or even warm. Neuropathic and Neurogenic Causes. The redness does not disappear when you apply pressure. Psoriasis is among the common cause of red dots to appear not only in the legs but also in some other parts . Pain in the legs, buttocks, thighs, calves and feet when walking. This temporary halt in blood flow causes the extremities to become white and then return to normal, often painfully, once they are warm again. Fungal infections can be contagious as they are passed from one person to the next . Red, swollen legs may be a sign of a circulation problem. However, poor circulation commonly has the following signs and symptoms: Leg numbness or weakness. In the event you do suspect an underlying problem is contributing to your icy appendages, talk to your doctor. ADVERTISEMENT. This type of reaction is usually caused by a previous infection or new medication. Hot feet can arise from factors such as a person's occupation or choice of footwear. The burning sensation may become more intense at night, with some relief occurring during the day. Panniculitis Petechiae Caused by bleeding beneath the skin, these tiny spots most commonly occur on the ankles and feet. "Edema is the actual swelling of the ankles and the legs, typically caused by venous hypertension or venous insufficiency, said Dr. Redding. Poor wound healing or an ulcer on the toe, foot, or leg. Supporting the legs while seated and use of compression stockings might help reduce the swelling.