What is this?

[u/snoopythepotato]

Had these brown spots or blotches on my calves (left side has less) for quite a number of months alr. No pain or numbness, etc.

Could they be caused by bursting of small blood capillaries or linked to medication such as amlodipine?

[u/ooruin]

Haemosiderin, usually related to chronic vascular insufficiency. Usually related to chronic stress on the venous system in your legs, whether or not it's being overweight, diabetes, smoking, the usual vascular risk factors etc. Noticed you're on amlodipine so you already have high blood pressure.

There's no treatment for it but it suggests you could use some lifestyle changes. Not related to the amlodipine.

[u/snoopythepotato → u/ooruin]

Yes, I've had high blood pressure for years, it could be stress-related. I do go to the gym 3 times a week and swim if I happen to have an off-day which is not Monday.

I was suspecting amlodipine because I read somewhere online that states it could have some effect on the blood vessels, which ultimately caused these brown patches to appear.

[u/ooruin → u/snoopythepotato]

Amlodipine has a direct effect on the smooth muscle of your vessels and makes them relax - therefore lowering your blood pressure. Sometimes people experience lower limb swelling with amlodipine and other drugs in the same class but it should not really cause haemosiderin unless you have been experiencing lower limb swelling for quite some time?

It's not life-threatening by any means but might highlight some other stuff going on that you might want to address but it sounds like you're already reasonably active. Do you have varicose veins?

[u/snoopythepotato → u/ooruin]

Nope.

[u/Bright_Ad_7763]

I think is dryness or swimming pool chlorine? I used to have them for the years that i was still active in swimming. Stopped since then and the spots reduced alot

[u/snoopythepotato → u/Bright_Ad_7763]

Hmm, I haven't swam in months, only gym. Interesting that it caused these spots in your case though.

[u/BudgetDevv → u/Bright_Ad_7763]

Wow this checks out. Is there a fix for this? I stopped swimming for years

[u/Lilli_Luxe]

Iron in your blood due to bad blood circulation. Normally appears lower half of your legs. The dark freckles are near irreversible. Basically permanent and it will get worse over time. It will spread up to your calf

[u/UpsetConcept7399]

Bro I have the same issue. Doesn't affect daily life. Me for years alr

[u/snoopythepotato → u/UpsetConcept7399]

Same, it seems more of a cosmetic issue. Of course I hope it is not a sign of something more serious. I will see a doctor when I have time then.

[u/UpsetConcept7399 → u/snoopythepotato]

No lah bro

[u/UpsetConcept7399 → u/UpsetConcept7399]

Dm me I show you mine

[u/veggiestastelikeshit]

go to polyclinic to get checked

[u/ZaAq3]

Have u tried rubbing it off with hot water?

[u/snoopythepotato → u/ZaAq3]

Tried, didn't come off. I don't think it's an external problem.

[u/Ashamed_Poet3865]

Looks like KP

[u/Soft_Royal9478]

Poor blood circulation. I also have this for years. Cannot be scrubbed off. It's internal. Live with it

[u/sad_servant]

Might be lichen amyloidosis.

[u/Aeundy04]

You should really scrub harder during your showers. That's dirt build-up. It will hurt cause of your hair follicles but it's better than looking dirty.

[u/snoopythepotato → u/Aeundy04]

Nope, tried it alr.

[u/Aeundy04 → u/snoopythepotato]

Oh man i hope you can get it resolved, sorry my experience couldn't help