Bumpy, Scaly Skin Behind Incision on Ankle

[Concerned467]

I had tarsal tunnel surgery last February.  I've noticed over the past month that the skin on the back of my ankle, behind my incision, has turned a greyish color and it has tiny, scaly bumps all over it.  It doesn't itch or hurt.  At first I thought it was just dry skin, but it doesn't change when I put lotion and cream on it.  Is this something I should see my podiatrist or dermatologist about?  

Thank you for any help and advise.

[Yena H Do, DPM]

If the skin was dying, it would turn black.  i think that perhaps the skin has the changes due to the numerous surgeries.
have you worn compression stockings? they really can help with the swelling.  everytime you have surgery, swelling occurs and it takes almost 1 year b/f the swelling dramitically improves..and sometimes you would still have some swelling left.  when you stand, gravity pulls fluid down.  after surgery, you have swelling due to the tissue being insulted.  so, these two components contribute to long term swelling.

[Concerned467]

I will schedule an appointment tomorrow.  Do you think the skin could be dying?  This was my 8th surgery on my foot.  In 2003 I had it reconstructed.  I had a calcaneal osteotomy as well as an osteotomy of the1st metatarsal.  I had my ligaments tightened and I've had two scopes of my ankle.  In 2004 I had to have the procedure done to make a pseudocartilage in my ankle.  I had no cartilage left.  My doctor also removed the sural nerve from the left side of my foot, it was wrapped around a screw so he opted to take it out.  Ever since then I've had chronic swelling all over my ankle.  I swtiched doctors and changed from an ortho to a podiatrist when I was having plantar type pain.  After extensive nerve tests it was determined to be tarsal tunnel.  I was scared to have the surgery because of my swelling issue.  It's not HUGE, but I do have a lymphodema pump to help when it gets really bad.  I can still wear shoes, etc, but they have to be open back because of the nerve pain I feel at the incision.  I'm just wondering if with all the swelling and additional swelling caused by my last surgery if the skin is starting to die.  Maybe it's not getting enough blood at that location.  Not sure, I'll have it checked out though.

[Yena H Do, DPM]

It sounds like you may have a reaction to the subcutaneous stitches (absorbable stiches under the skin), or have slight dermatitis from the bandages...however, if you had surgery last February (almost 1 year ago) then it can't be the aforementioned.
If this is the case, I would see your podiatrist/dermatologist to see what is causing the skin changes.  You may need a skin biopsy to get a definitive answer.