What Skin Changes Are Associated With PAD

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as poor circulation, hardening of the arteries and peripheral artery disease, is a narrowing of the arteries resulting in reduced blood flow to the arms, legs, heads and stomach. 

The most common cause is atherosclerosis, an accumulation of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the arteries. Less common causes of PAD include infection or inflammation of a blood vessel, exposure to radiation, arm and leg injuries and muscles or ligaments (the fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones) with unusual shapes.

The symptoms and severity of peripheral arterial disease vary from person to person, but one of the most common signs is changes to the skin's colour and texture. With a reduced blood flow, there is increased pressure in the arteries, which causes inflammation of the skin. Unless treated, this can lead to sores, rashes, ulcerations and other skin problems. 

PAD Changes to the Skin

People with PAD may exhibit one or several changes to the skin of the legs, ankles and feet. These changes often start as mild problems but, with time, can lead to more severe symptoms. 

• Mild changes such as the skin feeling cool to the touch and becoming dry and itchy. Some people will notice poor toenail growth.
• Moderate changes such as increased redness and swelling. The skin can also become pigmented and thick because of lipodermatosclerosis. This is a type of inflammation of the layer of fat under the skin and may involve one or both legs. Other moderate changes include decreased leg hair growth as tissue starts to die.
• Severe changes such as ulcers in the ankles, feet and toes and skin breaks that are slow to heal. The most serious complication is gangrene, the death of tissue due to a lack of blood flow.

Risk Factors For PAD Skin Changes

The following factors increase the chances of someone with diabetes developing skin changes as a result of PAD. 

• Age can be a risk factor for PAD-related skin conditions because, generally, poor circulation develops in people over the age of 60.
• Previous injuries may impair the body's ability to circulate blood which can lead to skin changes.
• Lack of exercise, which can result in poor blood flow.
• Other medical conditions such as obesity can increase the likelihood of skin problems because of the increased pressure put on blood vessels.
• Smoking because it can interfere with the ability of blood vessels to carry blood.
• Gender can also be a risk factor as women have higher peripheral arterial disease rates than men.

Signs and Symptoms To Look For

In many cases, people with PAD show no symptoms; therefore, it is often difficult to identify the condition. However, if you experience the following changes, you should book an appointment with your doctor for further investigation. In case of gangrene, black tissue or if the symptoms develop quickly or suddenly worsen, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Signs include:

• Eczema or a rash.
• Hyperpigmentation, which is a medical term for darker patches of skin. These may develop as a result of insufficient blood and oxygen supply to the skin
• Reduced hair growth on legs and feet.
• Brittle toenails that are slow to grow.
• Itchy skin.
• Shiny skin.
• Changes in the color of the skin, such as turning blue or pale
• The skin becomes dry, cracked and leathery.
• Sores on the legs or feet that may bleed and be slow to heal. If the sores produce pus and there is a foul odor, you may have an infection requiring immediate medical attention.
• Non-healing ulcers. Poor blood supply severely impedes the body's ability to heal following an injury.

Treatment for PAD Skin Conditions

Skin changes and discoloration may be a sign of peripheral artery disease, which can progress if not treated properly. There is no cure for PAD, but you may be given medications to help reduce symptoms such as skin changes if you're diagnosed with the condition. Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to improve symptoms. These can include:

• Stopping smoking, if you smoke.
• Exercising regularly (walking is one of the best forms of exercise).
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Eating a healthy diet.
• Cutting down on alcohol.
• Staying on top of your blood sugar levels.

Contact MINT

To help prevent peripheral artery disease and better manage PAD symptoms such as skin changes if you have received a PAD diagnosis, contact the skilled and friendly team at the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy. 

We specialize in vascular treatments that improve blood and oxygen flow to the limbs, helping to keep PAD symptoms in check. To schedule a consultation, please call MINT today or book an appointment online at one of our 5 clinics, including the latest addition in Chicago, IL.