Lower Limb Erythema
Look For
- Redness - unilateral, bilateral, localised or diffuse.
Causes of Lower Limb Erythema
- CellulitisTender, red, swollen, warm calf ± site of injury
- Skin conditionsMacules, papules, patches or plaques - localised / diffuse
- Lipodermatosclerosis (fibrosis of subcutaneous fat)Inverted bowling pin appearance with erythema / induration
- LymphoedemaNon-pitting oedema, usually bilateral
- Deep venous thrombosisRed, swollen, tender calf
- Superficial ThrombophlebitisTender area with erythema tracking along the course of a superficial vein
- Venous insufficiencyHyperpigmentation that may be associated with varicose veins or oedema.
- Dependent rubor(peripheral arterial disease)Dusky-red discolouration when the leg is elevated above the heart
Pallor of the Lower Limb
Look For
- Loss of colour in one or both lower limbs.
Causes of Lower Limb Pallor
- Anaemia
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Compartment syndrome
- Low cardiac output, due to cardiac disease
- Peripheral shutdown, due to increased sympathetic activity
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