‘Shiny skin’ could be first sign of increased risk of heart attack and stroke, GP warns

KEEPING legs smooth and shiny during the winter months can be a challenge, as the constant change between dry air from heating and cold outside temperatures can damage the skin’s protective barrier.

But if you notice shiny skin on your legs and you’re not moisturizing them, it could be a sign that something serious is going on with your health.

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Dr Babak Ashrafi, a member of the Superdrug Online Doctor team, warned that shiny skin on the legs can be a sign of various underlying conditions, including peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can become serious if not treated.

Peripheral artery disease is a common condition in which a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to the leg muscles.

Although this disease is not immediately life-threatening, the process of atherosclerosis—when plaque builds up in the walls of your arteries—that causes it can lead to serious and even life-threatening problems, including a seizure. heart disease and stroke.

Shiny skin can also indicate other health problems such as edema (fluid retention) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT – a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg or back). thigh).

The symptom can occur for a variety of reasons, Dr. Ashrafi explained, but is often linked to skin changes or poor circulation.

He explained: “When circulation is impaired, it can reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, making skin appear smooth, tight and shiny.

“It’s important to note that shiny skin can also be the result of conditions such as lymphedema, infections or sun damage and burns, as well as fluid buildup in the layers beneath the skin. skin.”

What happens if you don’t treat your shiny skin

Untreated shiny skin linked to circulation problems can lead to several complications, some of which can be serious.

Dr Ashrafi said: “Risks vary depending on the underlying cause, but potential complications include worsening peripheral artery disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), increased risk of infection and compromised mobility. »

But shiny legs can also result from less serious causes that are usually not related to underlying health conditions.

These include overly hydrated skin, skin damage from exercise, hot weather and sweating or a skin reaction to waxing or shaving.

Who risks having shiny legs

Several groups of people may be at increased risk of developing shiny legs due to underlying health conditions or lifestyle factors.

These include people aged 50 and over, people with diabetes or high blood pressure and people with families. history traffic-related conditions, Dr. Ashrafi said.

He added: “In addition, tobacco use can contribute to the development of this problem by impairing blood circulation and damaging blood vessels.

“While shiny skin can sometimes be the result of overly hydrated legs, it’s important to have it checked out by a healthcare professional to rule out any potential concerns and ensure your safety.

“You should see a GP if you experience recurring leg pain during exercise, swollen legs or if you notice persistent changes in the appearance of your skin.”

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A man with “shiny, reptilian skin”

A video of a man with glowing skin on his legs recently went viral on TikTok.

He points out “normal skin” on his thigh, then “shiny, reptilian skin” on his shin.

NHS surgeon Dr Karan Raj, who has more than 5.3 million followers on TikTok, responded to the video: “I’m a surgeon and I’ve seen shiny, hairless legs in patients over the years .

“I will not diagnose this person because I am not their doctor and I have no background information on this person, but I can give you some general education.

“If I had a patient and saw something similar, I would check to see if they had problems with poor blood circulation.

“Specifically due to peripheral artery disease due to plaque buildup in the arteries, making them narrow.”

Dr. Raj explained that there may be decreased blood flow to distant parts of the body, such as the lower legs.

He said: “Reducing blood flow means the skin can become tight and thin due to tissue atrophy and shiny due to hair loss due to lack of nutrients and oxygen naturally.

“There could be other things associated with this, like a decreased pulse and maybe even leg pain, depending on the severity of the problem.”

Dr. Raj said he would also look at any specific risk factors in a patient: whether they smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age, family. historyand ethnicity, as certain populations are at greater risk for blood circulation problems.

But he added: “There can be a long list of conditions that look like something else and sometimes what seems abnormal in one person may be completely normal in someone else.

“And that’s why, with many chronic illnesses, it’s not easy to make a timely diagnosis.

“You need a thorough history and examination for every patient.”

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