Readers ask: What Is Happening When An Elderly Person Has Swollen Legs And Red Spots?

Edema (or swelling) of the lower limbs is common in older adults. The most common cause (about 70%) of leg edema is due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Other serious causes of edema include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease.

What causes red blotches on swollen legs?

The most common causes of what looks like a rash or red dots on the lower legs are either immune-mediated inflammation like eczema or psoriasis, or a skin infection like cellulitis. Other causes of red blotches on the lower legs can arise from an allergic reaction to certain foods or contact with poisonous plants.

What causes swollen ankles and red spots?

Edema can be caused by temporary water retention issues, vein blockage, valve problems, muscle pump failure, adverse effects of a medication or an allergic reaction. It can also appear as a symptom of a more serious disease.

When should you go to the hospital for swollen feet and legs?

Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling.

Is edema in the legs life threatening?

Most of the time, the edema is not a serious illness, but it may be a sign for one. Here are some examples: Venous insufficiency can cause edema in the feet and ankles, because the veins are having trouble transporting enough blood all the way to the feet and back to the heart.

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Can poor circulation cause red spots on legs?

Stasis dermatitis is skin inflammation that develops in people with poor circulation. It most often occurs in the lower legs because that’s where blood typically collects.

What causes red legs in the elderly?

Eczema, whether varicose, asteatotic, discoid or other, is the most common cause of red legs in the elderly and usually responds to appropriate treatment. Cellulitis is usually unilateral, confluent, painful, non-scaly and associated with fever and malaise.

What does severe edema look like?

Signs of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms. Stretched or shiny skin. Skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds.

What causes red spots on legs and feet?

There are several possible causes for red dots on the skin, including heat rash, KP, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis. Red dots on the skin may also occur due to more serious conditions, such as a viral or bacterial infection.

What happens if edema is left untreated?

If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation.

What causes swollen ankles in elderly?

Legs, ankles, and feet swell when excess fluid is pulled down by gravity and builds up in the lower body. This is called edema and it’s common in older adults and usually happens on both sides of the body. It can be caused by a variety of health conditions including heart failure, kidney disease, gout, and arthritis.

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Does swollen ankles mean heart failure?

Swelling of the feet is a common sign of heart failure. You may also notice swelling in your legs, ankles, and stomach. Many things can cause swelling, so it’s important to see your doctor to diagnose the cause.

Can edema in legs cause death?

It is a serious condition, it can be a medical emergency, and it can lead to respiratory failure and death. Cerebral edema: This occurs in the brain. It can happen for a range of reasons, many of which are potentially life threatening.

When is edema an emergency?

When to Seek Care for Swelling You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch.

How do you drain fluid from your legs?

Hold the swollen part of your body above the level of your heart several times a day. In some cases, elevating the affected body part while you sleep may be helpful. Massage. Stroking the affected area toward your heart using firm, but not painful, pressure may help move the excess fluid out of that area.

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