Calf Skin Changes Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

Top 10 Calf Skin Changes Causes

1. 1.Non - Specific Dermatitis (Skin Inflammation)

   Dermatitis is the inflammation ("-itis") of the skin ("derma" is a layer of the skin). It can be caused by any number of causes, from allergies to infections to autoimmune issues. Dermatitis of Normal Variation (also called, "NOS") means that all of those other causes of your rash have been ruled out. This is very common.

   You can treat this at home and the rash should go away on its own. In the meantime, you can use an anti-histamine (both by mouth OR as an ointment), or a topical corticosteroid to treat the itch and/or pain due to the rash.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   red rash, itchy rash, painful rash

   Symptoms that always occur with non-specific dermatitis (skin inflammation):

   red rash

   Urgency:

   Self-treatment

2. 2.Non - Specific Skin Rash

   A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. Often, rashes are unidentifiable and some variation of normal. For example, scratching one's arm causes it to turn red (which is caused by mast cells releasing chemicals into the local area), but that's completely normal.

   At this time, you do not need treatment for this rash. If it worsens, you may need to consult a physician.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   rash

   Symptoms that always occur with non-specific skin rash:

   rash

   Urgency:

   Wait and watch

3. 3.Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

   Eczema is a form of skin inflammation that causes skin to be dry, itchy, red, and irritated.

   You should go to your local pharmacy or retail clinic to be treated. The usual treatment for atopic eczema involves avoiding irritants and other triggers, using moisturizers to prevent inflammation, as well as steroid creams and ointments when the inflammation flares up.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   trouble sleeping, feeling itchy or tingling all over, dry skin, scalp itchiness, flexor surface rash

   Symptoms that never occur with eczema (atopic dermatitis):

   fever

   Urgency:

   Phone call or in-person visit

4. 4.Sarcoidosis

   Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that most often affects the lungs and skin, but can als affect the joints.

   You should visit your physician to discuss your symptoms when convenient.

   Rarity:

   Rare

   Top Symptoms:

   fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, joint pain

   Urgency:

   Primary care doctor

5. 5.Irritant Contact Dermatitis

   Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, sore, or inflamed after direct contact with a substance. This condition most often affects skin of the hands, and may occur after repeated and prolonged exposure to substances such as water, detergents (soaps, bleach), solvents (such as gasoline), acids, powders, dust, and soil. The onset of the skin reaction is usually within 48 hours of coming in contact with the substance.

   You can safely treat this condition on your own. The main treatment for this disease is to avoid the substance that triggers the skin inflammation. Moisturizer can also be helpful to provide relief for your inflamed skin.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   rash with well-defined border, itchy rash, red or pink, rough patch of skin, painful rash, red rash

   Symptoms that always occur with irritant contact dermatitis:

   rash with well-defined border

   Symptoms that never occur with irritant contact dermatitis:

   fever, black-colored skin changes, brown-colored skin changes, blue-colored skin changes

   Urgency:

   Self-treatment

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6. 6.Tuberculosis

   Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs, although it can also affect other organs in the body. The bacteria can lie dormant in the body for a long time (even years), until they start causing symptoms such as cough, fever, loss of appetite, and night sweats.

   You should visit your primary care physician within the next 24 hours. The treatment for tuberculosis is an intensive treatment with a combination of four antibiotics, usually isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol.

   Rarity:

   Rare

   Top Symptoms:

   fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, rib pain, dry cough

   Urgency:

   In-person visit

7. 7.Amyloidosis

   Amyloidosis is a condition where a protein, called amyloid, deposits in the body's tissues and organs (commonly the heart and kidneys). This can lead to dysfunction and damage in these tissues and organs.

   You should visit your primary care physician in the next few days. Blood, tissue, and imaging tests can be completed to confirm the diagnosis. If confirmed, a treatment plan can be made to manage the effects of the disease. Results vary with treatment and are dependent on the extent of the deposits.

   Rarity:

   Rare

   Top Symptoms:

   fatigue, shortness of breath, diarrhea, unintentional weight loss, dizziness

   Urgency:

   Primary care doctor

8. 8.Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)

   Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the feet and/or toes. Warm, moist environments and community showering are common causes of this type of infection.

   Over-the-counter treatments are quite effective at treating athlete's foot. They can come in the form of sprays, ointments, or even oral antifungals. Consider replacing shower footwear and bleaching any bathroom floors.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   foot redness, foot/toe itch, spontaneous foot pain, foot skin changes, peeling between the toes

   Symptoms that always occur with athlete's foot (tinea pedis):

   foot redness

   Symptoms that never occur with athlete's foot (tinea pedis):

   toe injury

   Urgency:

   Self-treatment

9. 9.Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

   Tinea Corporis is a common fungal infection of the skin. This rash is sometimes called "ringworm" and results in ring-shaped redness that is often itchy.

   Ringworm can be treated with topical antifungal ointment such as Lamisil. Apply the ointment directly to the rash and the surrounding skin, and keep the area as dry as possible.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   dry skin, rash, red rash, itchy rash, curved rash

   Symptoms that never occur with ringworm (tinea corporis):

   groin skin changes, fever, scrotal itch, groin itch, facial skin changes, hand skin changes, genital skin changes

   Urgency:

   Self-treatment

10. 10.Mononucleosis Infection

    EBV Mononucleosis is a clinical syndrome characterized by fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

    You should visit your primary care physician within the next 24 hours. Diagnosis is confirmed by looking for antibodies against EBV. Treatment involves supportive care (hydration, antipyretics, and analgesics, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen). Aspirin should not be given to children because of the possibility of Reye syndrome. It is also recommended that you do not do any strenuous physical activity and contact sports in the initial 3 to 4 weeks of illness due to the potential for splenic rupture.

    Rarity:

    Common

    Top Symptoms:

    fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain (stomach ache), cough

    Symptoms that never occur with mononucleosis infection:

    rectal bleeding

    Urgency:

    Primary care doctor

Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Calf Skin Changes

• Q.Any fever today or during the last week?
• Q.Is your rash:
• Q.Are there bumps on your rash?
• Q.Is your rash raised or rough when you run your hand over the area of skin?