Skin Changes

Skin changes are a common side effect of many circulatory problems, including peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI). Improving circulation can prevent them from getting worse and keep your skin healthy. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care specialists take an integrative approach to diagnosing and treating skin changes. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to schedule treatment for skin changes, or book your appointment online today. 

What are skin changes?

Skin changes is an umbrella term for variations in your skin’s appearance, texture, and health. These changes occur for various reasons, but the Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team focuses on those caused by circulatory problems that prevent oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood from reaching the skin.

Most skin changes are mild and improve with healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication. However, visit a specialist right away if you notice skin changes. Without treatment, the problem can quickly get worse.

What are some examples of skin changes?

The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team treats various skin changes, including:

• Brown, black, purple, or pink discoloration
• Thickened skin that’s hard and leathery
• Bulging, twisted veins (varicose veins)
• Small green, blue, or purple veins (spider veins)
• Cracked, scaly skin
• Dry, itchy skin
• Oozing and crusting
• Noticeable swelling or fluid accumulation

Sometimes, skin changes cause open wounds to form. These slow-healing ulcers can ooze pus or blood and increase your risk of infection.

How are skin changes diagnosed?

Your Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the discoloration, if it’s gotten worse, and if it occurs alongside problems like cramping and pain.

Next, your provider examines the affected areas, assessing their size, color, and appearance. Some skin changes can be diagnosed visually, but the team typically orders diagnostic tests to gather more information. For example, a vascular ultrasound can check the circulation to your skin and determine if damaged arteries or veins are the problem.

How are skin changes treated?

The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to treating skin changes. They could suggest:

• Wearing compression stockings to support healthy circulation
• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Exercising regularly to encourage blood flow
• Eating a balanced diet and reducing sodium intake
• Prescription medication to lower cholesterol or blood pressure
• Laser therapy to destroy damaged veins and reroute blood flow
• Radiofrequency ablation to seal off damaged veins and reroute blood flow
• Sclerotherapy, which causes damaged veins to collapse
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

If varicose veins are responsible for the skin changes, your provider might recommend a minimally invasive procedure like ligation and stripping. This removes unsightly varicose veins and improves your skin’s appearance.

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule treatment for skin changes, or book your appointment online today.