Here’s what may be happening—and why it’s important not to dismiss gradual skin changes as simply a cosmetic issue.
The Most Common Explanation: Poor Vein Circulation
Your leg veins have tiny one-way valves that help blood travel upward toward your heart.
When these valves don’t work efficiently, some blood can remain pooled in the lower legs instead of moving back toward the heart as it should.
This is known as chronic venous insufficiency.
Over time, increased pressure in the veins can contribute to fluid accumulating in the tissues around the lower legs and ankles. The resulting swelling and inflammation can affect the skin.
This is one reason the ankles are such a common location for these changes.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that stasis dermatitis frequently begins around the inner ankles, where people may first notice swelling and faint discoloration.
Why Does the Skin Become Darker?
The color change isn’t simply a matter of the skin becoming “dirty” or poorly washed.
