What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the discoloration (bronze-brown or purple) of the skin in patients with chronic venous reflux disease and chronic inflammation of varicose veins. Hyperpigmentation occurs in the gaiter areas of the legs including the lower legs, ankles and feet.
In extensive cases, the hyperpigmentation may be circumferential and associated wtih sclerosis (thickening) of the skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue (see lipodermatosclerosis below).
In the CEAP classification of venous disease, hyperpigmentation is classified as CEAP C4 disease.
Once patients are assessed by Dr. Karamanoukian and a venous Duplex scan is performed which utilizes a combination of ultrasound (B mode scanning) and Doppler scanning - together called Duplex scanning of the venous system, the legs are mapped with both Vein Lite and Vein Viewer Infrared technology. The CEAP classification is next used to document the type of venous disease and clinical severity scores are next utilized in addition to the morphological and pathological classification of venous diseases.