If you kick off your shoes after a long day and discover that your feet seem to have an off color, you might feel alarmed. In many cases, discoloration on the skin of your feet may prove temporary. For instance, red irritation may appear due to ill-fitting shoes or acute pressure on the feet.
But discoloration on the heels, toes, or soles of your feet may also be a symptom of a larger issue. If the abnormal coloring on your feet persists, then you may want to visit Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists to treat your foot problems. Our Newtown, PA podiatrists will help you find the best treatment for discolored feet.
Common Reasons for Discolored Feet
Your feet can change color for multiple reasons.
Deep Bruising Due to Injury
Do you notice a deep purple spot on your ankle, top of your foot, or your toe? Does it feel sore when touched or moved? This could be a result of bruising due to an injury to your foot or ankle.
A bruise forms when underlying blood vessels in the skin break and leak blood into the tissue. If you twist your ankle, for instance, the harsh pressure can lead to damage under the skin. It may begin as a dark, purplish, or red color that will fade to blue, green, or yellow as it heals.
You could also form this type of injury if you drop an object on your foot or stub your toe. In many cases, a bruise will go away on its own. But if you cannot put weight on the affected foot, then you should seek medical attention.
Dark Spots May Mean Foot Cancer
Some people have freckles or moles on their feet. These refer to harmless brown or tan spots on the skin that form due to exposure to UV rays from the sun. However, if you see a new dark spot on your foot, it might be melanoma, a malignant type of skin cancer, one of the foot diseases we treat.
Keep an eye on the shape, size, and color of this new dark spot on your skin. If it seems to grow bigger or become irregular in its border, you should seek a consultation with a health professional. The ABCDE rule can help you remember what to look for:
- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
- Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
- Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than about 6 millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: The spot is changing in size, shape, or color.
If you notice any of these signs, do not wait. Contact our office for an evaluation.
Red or Purple Extremities and Circulation Problems
Have you noticed that your feet or toes seem to turn red, purple, or blue on a regular basis? Chronic discoloration of this kind in your extremities might mean you have blood circulation problems. Other symptoms of poor circulation include tingling, coldness, or swelling in the feet.
Many people may notice these issues during hot or cold weather or after sitting or standing for long periods of time. If this happens to you, you can boost your vascular health with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Learn more about vein health and your feet by consulting with a podiatrist.
White or Flaky Feet Point to Skin Damage
Some people have a naturally pale skin tone on their feet. But if you see patches of white, flaky skin, then you might have a condition that requires treatment. Dry or cracked heels might look this way, and you can moisturize your feet to heal the skin.
White discoloration between the toes that also itches can point to athlete’s foot, a fungus that will require medication from a podiatrist to eradicate. White spots on the toenail might also point to a nail fungus that will require laser fungal treatment to prevent spread.
Other Causes of Foot Discoloration
Beyond these common causes, discolored feet can also result from:
- Diabetes: Poor circulation and nerve damage can cause reddish or purplish patches.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow can make feet look pale or blue.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon: Blood vessels overreact to cold, causing toes to turn white, then blue, then red.
- Medications: Some drugs can cause skin color changes as a side effect.
- Staining: Over-the-counter creams, new socks, or even grass and dirt can temporarily discolor skin.
When to See a Podiatrist for Discolored Feet
Not every color change is an emergency. But if you notice any of the following, it is time to call a professional:
- Discoloration that does not fade after a few days
- Pain, swelling, or warmth accompanying the color change
- A dark spot that is growing or changing shape
- Open sores or cracks in the skin that are not healing
- Numbness or tingling in your feet
At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, we are here to help you understand and treat any concerns about your foot health. Whether you need a routine checkup or advanced care for circulation issues, we have the experience and technology to guide you.
Call our foot specialists today at 215.234.3772 or request an appointment with us online.