What on earth is wrong with my legs? (Pics)

[frozenkimchi]

Sorry wasn't sure where to post this, feeling very down. For the last few weeks I've woken up around this time and my legs are bright red, hot and tingly. When I press into the skin it blanches yellow. (See photo) The only thing that helps a bit is a cool bath. I'm currently sat in the bath now in tears.

My health has taken such a dive in the last year and this is something new...not sure whether it's something to worry about. It's definitely not sunburn, only seems to flare at night and I'm 32. Has anyone seen or had this before? Google isn't showing much except cellulitis which it definitely isn't. I've got an appointment with my GP but it's not for another few weeks yet. Thank you.

Can you speak to a pharmacist? The one I use was previously a nurse and her knowledge is incredible ( I've said that before on here!)

I would visit tomorrow a walk in centre so you can have an appointment. could be an allergic reaction to a new body lotion?

Thanks @Wahine24 I'll definitely pop in this week and show them the photos, see if they can advise anything. I just feel a bit fed up as it's uncomfortable - I just want to be tucked up in bed!

You poor thing, that looks really uncomfortable. Tbh I would probably call 111 for this and consider a and e.

Hope you feel better soon.

Raynauds?

@ThisOchreLemur It's a solid guess thank you, but unfortunately I've not changed anything in my skincare or bathing routine that's obvious, and it's just my lower legs and feet that are affected. . It's not every single night either, it's a bit sporadic. It's so strange!

Do you sit with your laptop on your lap?

Eythema Nodosum? It can cause red bumps but also cover larger areas. Can you ask for a more urgent gp appointment or see a pharmacist?

Circulation?

Have you tried an antihistamine to see if that makes any difference? Definitely a doctors trip, anything that interrupts your sleep and leaves you tearful warrants a consultation. You might want to look at resources on venous insufficiency and erythromelalgia to see if either of those look like your symptoms? There are some self help options if so which you could try while waiting for an appointment. I hope it’s an easy fix OP, I have a weird skin thing where if my skin has had too much pressure on it I break out in immensely itchy hives which last for days, and it’s much more upsetting than people would give it credit for.

DS (16) get 'red legs' (red and itchy from knees down) sometimes after prolonged standing. I've been looking into it and wonder if he has POTS.

I would go to urgent care tomorrow, or A&E tonight if you are really worried, just in case it's DVT.
I hope you get an answer and it clears up soon.

Could it be Cellulitis?? I definitely wouldn’t wait on it op please get it checked asap xx

It's not reynauds or a circulation issue. That's not a common area for lack of bloodflow. I don't know what it is though and would visit the GP.

Sounds like it could be a vascular issue. I'd visit a walk in centre tomorrow for further advice. Try elevating your legs.

Red leg syndrome/ stasis eczema. Causes by poor circulatory return. The fact you say is walking you up would make sense in this as would the fact it's in both legs. Other conditions eg celulitis, dvt would typically affect just one leg. During sleep the lack of movement helping to pump blood back and aid venous return means fluid accumulates in the leg. This would mean blanching on pressure would be likely, tingling where the legs are full and skin is stretched, possibly aching, throbbng or itchy.
Do you have varicose veins, a job that might liken you to them ( hair dresser, chef etc) or family history of them? Significant obesity? If any of these apply walking masses and compression stocking ls every day might help. Wisdom salt soaks too. Gp should abuse if you mention these are your suspicions. They're are however other possibilities which cod be implicated.

I'd be worried about DVT as well. Also the cool water may help the discomfort but it may also make it worse, the blanching is caused by poor circulation, coldness increases this further

I've 'Internet Diagnosed' this as erythromelalgia. You do need to see a doc sharpish, OP. Take photos of your legs with the redness.
https://thoracickey.com/erythromelalgia/

Would urge ringing 111 or going through the symptoms on the NHS app. My local 111 can also book urgent local GP sessions not available via my surgery.

If there's any swelling, try to d/w it today (Weds)

@frozenkimchi Hope you get some answers and relief today