Understanding Persistent Skin Discoloration After Cellulitis

Question
approximately 7 years ago I was diagnosed with Cellulitis in my left ankle.  It was treated but it left the skin on my left foot, ankle and just above (looks like I'm wearing a sock) dark brown and mottled.   The doctor that I had at the time said that it would go away in time and did nothing for it.  I changed physicians a year and a half later (for insurance reasons) and I complained to my new doctor who suggested I purchase an over the counter fade cream.  I did but it did nothing to fade the discoloration.  I have seen three other doctors since then and either they don't know what is wrong, what to do or they just don't care because I have gotten no answers.  The skin is very dry in that area and constantly flaking away but the dark skin remains.  It is also extremely sensitive.  If it begins to itch from the dryness and I absentmindedly scratch, the skin will feel like it's on fire for a good 10 minutes afterward and if I bump it or scrape it during yard work or the like .... it hurts 10 times worse than it should.  Sometimes it looks as though there are patches of tiny water blisters on it but on closer inspection they are just little bumps under the dark skin.  Above the darkened area my skin has tiny little pin point sized dots of the dark color that appear to be the pores.  It isn't getting better...in fact it seems to gradually be getting worse.  Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Candy,
This represents a post -cellulitic inflammatory change in the skin. This is not uncommon especially in dependent areas such as ankles and feet. During the illness, there may also have been compromise of the veins in your legs from the cellulitis and that can also lead to venous stasis disease. Venous stasis disease is accompanied by discoloration of the skin and intermittent swelling which will not go away.
I would focus on not allowing your leg to swell in the ankles. Wearing medical support hose is the best thing as well as keeping your legs elevated when sitting.