Why are my feet so dry and purple?

Purple feet are a sign of a circulation problem that can be potentially serious. When circulation in your feet is healthy, cuts heal quickly and your skin retains its natural color. Blood reaches your feet through a network of arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart.

What does discoloration on your feet mean?

A foot can appear discolored because of poor blood circulation, bruising, or disease. The common causes of foot discoloration are: Injury. If something injures your foot, it can cause bruising with a range of color from purple through yellow and green as the bruising heals.

What causes bad circulation in the feet?

Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is a common cause of poor blood circulation. Many other causes of poor circulation, such as obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which makes this condition particularly important to address.

What does it mean when your feet turn blue?

Peripheral cyanosis: Causes of blue hands and feet. Peripheral cyanosis is when the hands, fingertips, or feet turn blue because they are not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Cold temperatures, circulation problems, and tight jewelry are common causes of peripheral cyanosis.

Can your feet show signs of heart disease?

If you’re wondering about the health of your heart, try looking at your feet. The lowly, stepped-on, shoe-squished foot could very well hold clues about the state of your coronary arteries. If your feet show signs of poor circulation – or peripheral arterial disease – your heart could be suffering as well.

What does it mean when your toes turn purple?

Acrocyanosis Perhaps the most common cause for purple feet or purple toes in general is acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis basically means (in Latin) “blue extremity”. The most common cause is called “primary”.

Why do my feet turn purple when cold?

If the feet become cold, the arteries in the toes constrict. This can result in purple toes or even in purple feet. As with anything else in medicine, most of the diagnosis is based on talking to the patient.

What does it mean when your toes turn blue?

Not getting enough blood damages cells and the tissues they make up. This can cause the tissue to change color — usually blue or purple. When this happens to the toes, doctors call it blue toe syndrome. Some people with this condition have just one discolored toe on one foot.

Can diabetes cause discoloration of the feet?

If your circulation is affected by diabetes, you could notice discoloration of your toes and feet. The skin on your feet could turn blue, purple, or gray. You may also develop a rash or patches of red or purple skin.