Skin Changes on Ankle Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

Top 10 Skin Changes on Ankle 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.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

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

   Skin Changes on Ankle Checker

   Take a quiz to find out why you’re having skin changes on ankle.

   Take a quiz

6. 6.Molluscum Contagiosum

   Molluscum Contagiosum is a common viral infection of the skin that usually affects young children, sexually active young adults, and patients with a weakened immune system.

   You can go to a primary care doctor, who might recommend cryotherapy (freezing it off) or ointments. That being said, molluscum contagiosum often goes away on its own.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   rash with bumps or blisters, skin changes on arm, leg skin changes, head or neck skin changes, genital skin changes

   Symptoms that never occur with molluscum contagiosum:

   fever, headache

   Urgency:

   Phone call or in-person visit

7. 7.Benign Skin Growth

   Seborrheic keratosis is a condition that causes wart-like growths on the skin. The growths are benign (not-cancerous) and look like stuck-on plaques.

   You do not need treatment for this condition because it is completely benign. However, if the lesion changes at all you should visit your physician.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   constant skin changes, itchy rash, rash with well-defined border, abdominal skin changes, neck skin changes

   Symptoms that always occur with benign skin growth:

   constant skin changes

   Symptoms that never occur with benign skin growth:

   cherry red lower leg bump

   Urgency:

   Wait and watch

8. 8.Pityriasis Rosea

   Pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition with no known cause. It is not contagious and does not usually lead to any dangerous complications. It most often appears as a larger "mother" patch which comes first, surrounded by smaller "daughter" patches which appear soon after.

   If the rash itches, an antihistamine such as Benadryl can help relieve symptoms. Otherwise, Pityriasis rosea does not require any treatment.

   Rarity:

   Rare

   Top Symptoms:

   rash, itchy rash, curved rash, rough patch with red spots around it

   Symptoms that always occur with pityriasis rosea:

   rash

   Symptoms that never occur with pityriasis rosea:

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

   Urgency:

   Self-treatment

9. 9.Chronic Hepatitis c

   Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that is carried in human blood. It spreads through contact with infected blood, such as through infected needles, toothbrushes, or razors, through unprotected sex with an infected person, and from mother to baby during childbirth.

   You should schedule a visit with a doctor to discuss your symptoms and possible treatments.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   fatigue, nausea, muscle aches, loss of appetite, joint pain

   Symptoms that never occur with chronic hepatitis c:

   pain in the lower right abdomen, pain in the lower left abdomen, pain in the upper left abdomen, pain around the belly button

   Urgency:

   Primary care doctor

10. 10.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

Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Skin Changes on Ankle

• Q.Any fever today or during the last week?
• Q.Is your rash:
• Q.Have you been feeling more tired than usual, lethargic or fatigued despite sleeping a normal amount?
• Q.Are there bumps on your rash?