Mystery skin complaint

[matty2670]

For weeks now I have had what looks like a small area of dark red blotches on the top of my right foot, near the ankle. (Looks like a half healed bruise.) These marks are slowly getting bigger and have now started to appear on my shin and the first joint of my big toe - in nearly a dead straight line from the toe up my shin, nearly up to my knee... The marks aren't itchy or painful at all, but as they've started to spread up my leg I'm getting a bit worried! Sort of dark red and blotchy, like a graze that's healing up. What is it? Help!

[matty2670]

Forgot to say - these marks aren't raised or bumpy - the skin is still smooth.

[Ice.Maiden]

Someone who works for us had exactly the same symptoms. Went to the doctor's, thinking it was a circulatory problem, but it isn't. Are you on tablets for anything - such as blood pressure? In this case, the problem was caused by an increased dosage of some medication.

[matty2670]

Funnily enough, I'm on medication for high blood pressure..! How is your colleague now? Please tell me they're OK...

[Ice.Maiden]

They are, matty - and his medication's for high blood pressure as well.

I can't advise what to do because I'm not a doctor, but I know enough that you ought to just have a word with yours. Perhaps if the dosage was changed, or you tried a different tab, you'd be alright. Then again, your symptoms might not be associated with that at all, so you just need a check on things. I'm sure you'll be fine.

[PatriciaH]

If you stretch the skin does it nearly dissapear? i have this on my ankle and i think its just threadveins , have you banged this area recently to cause something like this ?

[matty2670]

I'll have the Doc confirm it but I'm pretty sure it's the blood pressure medication. Thank you for taking the time to post your replies, you've put my mind at rest for now and I really appreciate it!