Unusual Skin Discoloration with No Clear Explanation
I am a 23-year-old woman weighing 280 lbs, and I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and hypermobile spectrum disorder, alongside chronic pain and unexplained nerve issues. My current medications include levothyroxine, a low dose of propranolol, buspirone (Buspar), and pantoprazole. Approximately a month ago, I observed peculiar splotchy marks forming on my feet, and I emphasize that this happened quite gradually. The spots resemble broken capillaries—they have a reddish appearance akin to bruises, yet they aren't exactly that. Initially, these odd red blotches were limited to my feet, but now I’m seeing small patches of similar markings appearing across various parts of my body. Unfortunately, I can’t share any images to illustrate this. After consulting with my doctor, I underwent testing for blood clotting conditions, including a complete blood count (CBC), which returned normal results. I was informed that it was likely just broken blood vessels. However, I’m puzzled since these markings are now widespread, and they remain flat without causing any itching or discomfort. Does anyone have insights into what this could possibly be?
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 9:40:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the unusual skin discoloration you're experiencing, especially since it's gradually spreading across your body. Based on your description, it appears you may be dealing with broken capillaries or a similar vascular issue, which can occur for various reasons, including changes in blood circulation or underlying conditions.
Explanation
The appearance of reddish splotches on your skin can be due to several factors, including:
- Broken capillaries: These small blood vessels can expand and burst, leading to the spots you've described. This can occur without trauma and might be linked to the pressure or strain on your blood vessels.
- Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Given your diagnosis of hypermobile spectrum disorder, your connective tissue might be more fragile, making you prone to bruising or capillary rupture.
- Vasculitis: This involves inflammation of blood vessels and might cause similar skin changes, though it's often accompanied by other symptoms.
- Medications: Some medications can affect blood vessels or skin integrity, potentially contributing to these changes.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take:
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Observation: Keep track of any changes in the splotches, such as size, color, or number, over the next few weeks. Note if they change with position (like standing vs. sitting) or with increased activity.
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Skin Care: Ensure you're protecting your skin from injury, as fragile skin can lead to more splotches. Hydrating products might also help maintain skin integrity.
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Avoid Excess Pressure: If you notice that certain activities (like sitting for long periods) seem to relate to the appearance of these marks, try to reduce or modify such activities.
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Consider Other Factors: Assess if there are any new lifestyle changes, dietary alterations, or stress factors that could be contributing to this pattern.
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Follow-Up: Since the pattern has changed and spread, consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist for a more thorough examination. They may conduct further tests or provide different diagnoses based on your current symptoms.
It's important to communicate your observations clearly with your healthcare team, especially given your background of chronic conditions. Taking proactive steps now can help clarify the situation further. Please take care, and don't hesitate to seek further medical advice if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
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