‘Shiny skin’ could be the first sign of a raised risk of heart attack and stroke, GP warns

KEEPING legs smooth and shiny during the winter months can be challenge, as the constant shift between dry air from having the heating and cold outdoor temperatures can damage the skin’s protective barrier.

But if you notice shiny skin on your legs and you haven’t been moisturising, it could be a sign of something serious going on with your health.

Dr Babak Ashrafi, part of the online doctor team at Superdrug Online Doctor, warned shiny skin on the legs can be a sign of various underlying conditions, including peripheral artery disease (PAD) – which can become serious if left untreated.

Peripheral artery disease is a common condition where a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to leg muscles.

While the condition’s not immediately life-threatening, the process of atherosclerosis – when plaque builds up in the walls of your arteries – that causes it can lead to serious and potentially fatal problems, including heart attack and stroke.

Shiny skin may also indicate other health issues such as oedema (fluid retention) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT – a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg or thigh).

The symptom can occur for various reasons, said Dr Ashrafi, but is often related to changes in the skin or poor circulation.

He explained: “When circulation is impaired, it can reduce the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, causing the skin to appear smooth, tight, and glossy in texture.

“It’s important to note shiny skin may also be a result of conditions such as lymphedema, infections, or sun damage and burns, as well as fluid build up in the layers under the skin.”

What happens if you leave shiny skin untreated

Untreated shiny skin related to problems with circulation can lead to several complications, some of which can be serious.

Dr Ashrafi said: “The risks vary depending on the underlying cause, but potential complications include worsening of peripheral artery disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), an increased risk of infection and compromised mobility.”

But shiny legs can also result from less serious causes that are typically not linked to underlying health issues.

These include overly moisturised skin, skin damage from physical exercise, hot weather and sweating or a skin reaction to waxing or shaving.

Who’s at risk of shiny legs

Several groups of people may be at increased risk of developing shiny legs due to underlying health conditions or lifestyle factors. 

These include individuals aged 50 and older, those with diabetes or high blood pressure, and those with a family history of circulation-related conditions, said Dr Ashrafi.

He added: “Additionally, tobacco use can contribute to the development of this issue by impairing blood flow and damaging blood vessels.

“While shiny skin may sometimes be the result of overly moisturised legs, it’s important to have it checked by a healthcare professional to rule out any potential concerns and ensure your safety.

“You should see a GP if you experience recurring leg pain during exercise, swollen legs or notice persistent changes in the appearance of your skin.”

Man with “shiny, reptilian skin”

I video of a man with shiny skin on his legs recently went viral on TikTok.

He points to “regular skin” on his thigh and then “shiny, reptilian skin” on his shin.

NHS surgeon, Dr Karan Raj, who has more than 5.3 million followers on TikTok, responded to the video: “I’m a surgeon and I’ve seen shiny, hairless legs in patients over the years.

“I won’t diagnose this person because I’m not their doctor and I don’t have any background information about this person, but I can give you some general education.

“If I had a patient and saw something similar to this, I would investigate whether they had any issues with poor blood flow.

“Specifically due to peripheral arterial disease due to plaque building up in the arteries so they become narrow.”

Dr Raj explained there may be a decreased blood flow to distant body parts like the lower legs.

He said: “Reduce blood flow means that the skin can become tight and thin due to tissue wasting and shiny because of hair loss due to lack of nutrients and oxygen naturally.

“There might be other things associated with this like reduced pulses and maybe even leg pain depending on the severity of the problem.”

Dr Raj said he’d also look at any specific risk factors in a patient – whether they smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, age, family history, and ethnicity, as some populations are at higher risk of blood flow problems.

But he added: “There can be a long list of conditions that look like something else and sometimes what looks abnormal in someone can be completely normal in someone else.

“And that’s why with a lot of chronic conditions, it’s not easy to just make a spot diagnosis.

“You need a thorough history and examination for each patient.”