skin pigmentation

[maitre d']

I have a patch of noticeably dark - sort of purpley colour - skin [about the size of an orange] just above my ankle on the inside of my leg. It started off about 3' in diameter about 8 years ago on both legs [on the inside]. It's gone on one leg but grown larger on the other. The doctor looked at it and said it was only pigmentation. The surface is quite bumpy and the top layer of skin gets very dry & itchy. Any ideas how to get it to go away?

[wizard]

im no doctor but have u considered it could be something as simple as eczema? I Even so, try using witch hazel and rub it in to the skin. It should soothe it and with any look help the skin to bring back a more "natural" colour! I hope it helps!

[xyzzy@bok]

first thing i thought; eczema kinda thing; but wizard, nothing simple about eczema surely.. Eczema is not a straight disease it is very affected by mind sorta psycho-somatic, so meditation, acupuncture and other stuff your gp may not be clued up on could help. And now for the not so simple bit; sympathetic eczema and telepathic eczema; i never had eczema ever till my daughter got it and before i knew she had it, i got eczema, same spot.. So wish it away maitre d' like with warts,

[Miss Zippy]

Sounds like it could be varicose eczema (often referred to as 'fleabitis', though it has nothing to do with flea bites!). It is caused primarily by poor cirulation and is more common in older people, though, like anything, can affect anyone of any age. It can get quite nasty and ulcerated if left untreated. I would have thought your doc would have diagnosed something like this though, but it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion, espcially if it is causing you pain and discomfort.