Stubborn relative - any med students/doctors have an idea?

[episodic]

I have a relative, in early 40's.

In the last 6 months, his lower legs from ankles to the mid part of leg (a few inches over the shin) has become discolored, a darker shade of brown - almost like a deep tan, and it looks all dry and cracked (only superficially - not cracked deep - but like scaly). . .

I'm smart enought to know this can't be good, what could this be? It isn't like an allergic thing or anything either.

Edit - forgot the stubborn part, this person of course 'won't' go to the doctor. I'm hoping I can tell them something that may change their mind.

 

[Oceandevi]

Give him a brillo pad.

 

[Leros]

Its just a reverse michael jackson. Don't worry about it.

 

[WA261]

It means he is done on that side...flip him over.

 

[hjo3]

Sounds like eczema.

 

[2Xtreme21]

Tell him you're taking him to the candy store and, when you arrive at the doctor's office, drag him in kicking and screaming.

 

[episodic]

Not eczema - looks nothing like that. It is real subtle. Just a his lower trunks from ankle to mid leg pronouncedly colored a darker shade of brown. It may be nothing - but seems really odd to m.

 

[IGBT]

..circulation problem(symptom) due to diabetes?

 

[Skiddex]

Originally posted by: Leros
Its just a reverse michael jackson. Don't worry about it.

haha, a negroplasti!! great south park episode

 

[sixone]

Originally posted by: IGBT
..circulation problem(symptom) due to diabetes?

That was my first thought as well. If it is, it could progress to where your relative has to have his leg amputated. Say whatever it takes to scare him into going to the doctor.

 

[db]

Ive seen this in people 80 years old....
So that can't be a good sign for someone his age.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Originally posted by: IGBT
..circulation problem(symptom) due to diabetes?

I was thinking ciruclation probelms to. My dad had problems, but the coloration was white, not tan.

 

[deejayshakur]

saw a guy with scleroderma the other day. kinda sounds like that. where are the pics?

 

[slackwarelinux]

It must be flesh eating bacteria.

 

[eits]

it just sounds like dry skin from wearing dress/tube socks...

pics?