Hemosiderosis is the medical term for brown discoloration in the pigment of the lower calves and feet. Also referred to as skin staining, it comes from the release of brown-tinted iron into the skin tissue. It is related to blood pooling in your legs, which is another term for chronic venous insufficiency. People I talk with naturally want to know why their legs are turning brown and whether or not it will go away.
What Causes Hemosiderosis?
Your leg veins have tiny one-way valves that work to prevent the blood from backflowing into the legs, feet, and ankles. With chronic venous insufficiency, the valves in the leg veins no longer function to prevent blood from backflowing into the lower legs, ankles, and feet. As a result, blood pools in these veins, causing them to expand. Over time, the stagnant blood builds and increases pressure against the vein walls. Under pressure, red blood cells leak out of the veins in the lower legs and calf where the pressure is the greatest. These leaked red blood cells break down and release hemoglobin. The hemoglobin then breaks down and releases iron. It is the iron that has brown pigmentation.
Meanwhile, in the tissues, there are certain cells called macrophages. Macrophages are designed to consume anything that is “not normal” in order to protect the tissues. Macrophages respond to the brown iron deposits by consuming them. As they do, they take on the brownish coloring. Interestingly, this is the same cell that is responsible for creating a tattoo. When the ink is injected into the skin the macrophages are activated and respond by consuming the ink.
Will Brown Skin Staining Go Away with Vein Treatment?
Unfortunately, the brown patches that stain the skin are permanent. That’s why, if you are showing signs of chronic venous insufficiency, it’s important to seek vein treatment sooner rather than later. Blood pooling and skin staining are advanced stages of a vein condition. The best way to handle it is to treat it before it becomes advanced and visible.
There are Rare Exceptions
My personal experience is that I have seen a number of patients who have seen their skin stains lighten and fade after treatment, but that’s not common. It is not something that can be predicted or guaranteed. I have seen a few remarkable and jaw-dropping results where the brown skin discoloration has gone away, but those instances are quite rare. A realistic expectation is that treatments may help lighten it up but won’t make it go away. They will definitely keep it from getting worse.
Is Hemosiderosis Dangerous?
Hemosiderosis is not dangerous or life-threatening, but it does indicate that you have blood pooling in your legs due to chronic venous insufficiency.
Modern treatments today are highly successful, easy to go through, and will make your legs feel better. Most people don’t realize that there are other invisible signs of a vein condition that will also go away with treatment. You will have more energy, enjoy better sleep, and have relief from inflammation which is always associated with this condition. Additionally, leg swelling and leg pain will improve or go away. Frequently, those who suffer from restless leg syndrome will also find relief. The hemosiderosis will slightly improve, but will not go away completely.
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