In many cases, skin discoloration on the legs and unexpected weight loss will be the result of two entirely different conditions. Often, neither are serious. However, certain conditions can cause both of these symptoms at once. If you notice leg discoloration and weight loss at the same time, you may have a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause the discoloration of the legs and weight loss. Out-of-control blood sugar can lead to darkened patches of skin all over the body, including on the legs, and may cause you to drop several pounds quickly, says Medline Plus. Other symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, vision problems and tiredness.
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis may also be to blame for your leg discoloration and sudden weight loss. This disease occurs when inflammatory cells develop all over the body, including the eyes, lungs and skin, says the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. It may be an immune deficiency, though doctors aren't sure of its cause. When you have sarcoidosis, dark patches of skin can develop anywhere on the body, including the legs, and you may find that you lose weight suddenly. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, coughing, chest pain, blurry vision, wheezing and swollen lymph nodes.
Wilson's Disease
Wilson's Disease is a condition that causes the body to retain any copper you intake. Though it's normal for you to ingest copper through food, your body would normally expel it. With this disease, you hold onto all of the copper until it reaches toxic levels, notes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This disease may show itself through jaundice and sudden weight loss, as well as coordination problems, bruising and organ swelling.
Treatments
Treatments for leg discoloration and weight loss will depend on the condition that's causing it. For diabetes, keeping track of your blood glucose, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet are the best methods for controlling the disease, says Medline Plus. Sarcoidosis can get better without treatment in time. However, to speed this up, you may wish to eat well, exercise, avoid chemical fumes, sunbathing and foods high in calcium. Drug treatments for the disease include corticosteroids for reducing inflammation. For Wilson's disease, treatments are used to reduce the amount of copper the body retains, says the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Drugs like d-penicillamine and trientine hydrochloride encourage the body to rid itself of copper through the urine.
Warning
Since leg discoloration and weight loss occurring simultaneously could be the result of any number of conditions, see your doctor promptly for an accurate diagnosis. You cannot begin treatment without this information. Likewise, if your symptoms worsen in a short period of time, seek medical advice promptly.
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