Skin color changes are frequent occurrences that signal a biological process happening beneath the surface. The specific hue of a discoloration offers important clues about its origin. Brown colors typically point toward issues involving pigment or iron deposits. Wine or purple tones usually indicate a process related to blood or the structure of blood vessels.
Primary Medical Terms for Discoloration
The medical terminology for skin discoloration is based on the substance causing the change. The general term for any darkening of the skin is hyperpigmentation, which is related to an overproduction of the skin’s natural pigment, melanin. Not all darkening is caused by melanin, so more precise terms are used to define the source of the color.
Wine or purple discoloration typically falls into two distinct categories related to the circulatory system. Purpura is the medical term for purple-red spots caused by small blood vessels leaking blood into the skin. The other major category involves vascular malformations, which are abnormal growths or development of blood vessels present from birth. These terms establish the fundamental difference between pigment issues and those related to blood and vessel integrity.
Understanding Brown Skin Changes
A brown or “brawny” discoloration often results from the presence of substances other than melanin, specifically iron. The process known as hemosiderin staining occurs when red blood cells leak out of capillaries, typically in the lower legs due to chronic venous insufficiency. As these red blood cells break down, the iron-containing protein hemoglobin is converted into a storage complex called hemosiderin. This iron compound is deposited in the skin tissue, causing a persistent, rusty-brown or bronze discoloration.
Other brown changes are a direct result of excess melanin production. Melasma appears as symmetrical brown patches on the face, strongly associated with hormonal fluctuations (such as pregnancy or oral contraceptive use), often worsened by sun exposure. Similarly, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when brown marks remain after an inflammatory event has healed, such as acne or eczema. These forms of brown discoloration are concentrated within the upper layers of the skin.
Understanding Wine or Purple Skin Changes
Wine or purple discolorations are caused by issues involving blood vessels or bleeding under the skin. Purpura is the umbrella term for the leakage of red blood cells, resulting in non-blanching spots that do not fade when pressure is applied. Purpuric spots are classified by size: petechiae are tiny, pinpoint spots less than three millimeters, while ecchymoses are larger than one centimeter (bruises). Purpura can signal various underlying issues, including blood disorders, vasculitis, or reactions to certain medications.
A different type of wine-colored mark is the Nevus Flammeus, commonly known as a Port-wine stain. This is a type of capillary vascular malformation, meaning it is an abnormality in the structure of the blood vessels. The color, which can range from pink to dark purple, is due to the permanent dilation of capillaries just beneath the skin’s surface. Port-wine stains are present at birth, grow in proportion to the child, and often deepen in color and thicken over time. The distinction between a blanching lesion (vessel dilation) and a non-blanching lesion like purpura (blood leakage) is a fundamental diagnostic tool.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While many skin discolorations are harmless, any new or changing spot should be evaluated by a medical professional. Consult a healthcare provider if a discoloration changes rapidly in size, shape, or color, or if it begins to itch or bleed. The “ABCDE” criteria (asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolution) is a useful guideline for tracking concerning moles and pigmented lesions.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if a discoloration appears suddenly and is accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or widespread swelling. Widespread, non-blanching purple lesions, especially when associated with fever, can signal a serious systemic infection requiring urgent diagnosis. Do not attempt to self-diagnose persistent or concerning skin changes; a professional assessment is needed to determine the precise cause and appropriate course of action.