reddish patch on the right foot

[lauru1977]

Hi, about a month ago I noticed a pink-red patch on my right foot, right about the place where I tie my shoes. It is romboidal in size, with diagonals of 1cm and 6 -7 mm. The color is uniform, something between pink and red(or light red, if you prefer). It does not itch, does not hurt  and it is not elevated. If I apply pressure on it, the color goes away and it comes back when I release the pressure. I do not think it increased in size, it seems about the same as the first time I noticed it. Also, I think it appeared rather suddenly, as it is in an area that I see each day and I would have noticed it if it was there before.  I saw a couple of physicians about it(none a dermatologist). One said it seems like a bruise and something about capillaries, the other said it seems pigmented and should be biopsied to look for skin cancer. I am a 30 year old male with not too many moles and no previous history of skin cancer.
Please let me know what your opinion is. Thank you for your help.

[Faith53]

I can relate to your condition.  I have this same problem on one of my legs.  There are very bright red spots that disappear when pressure is applied.  I have had them for several years, and they seem to spead sown my leg over several years.  I had a biopsy and everything was fine.  Most doctors don't know what it is.  I don't think that it is Schamberg's Disease because the spots don't turn purple or brown.  

I tried going to a cosmetic surgeon who used a laser to try to burn the underlying broken capillaries, but that didn't work.  I am trying to find out if there is a cream that can freeze the broken veins.

Hope you get some answers!  Good luck.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds like blood vessels in the skin from pressure from your shoes.  Nothing serious, I would think.  I suggest that you not worry about it and that you set up an appointment with a dermatologist to have a look.  I very much doubt that a biopsy will be necessary.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[katherine465]

i have the same kinda thing on my left thumb!! have you seen the dermatologist yet? please do post what happens here!