Water, protein and other cells may leak through the walls of the abnormal veins into the skin and fat around the distal calf and ankle regions. Initially this leads to swelling and eventually discoloration of the skin(due to red blood cells(RBCs) releasing their pigment) and finally hardening of the skin and underlying fatty tissue related to enzymes from the white blood cell (WBC)being released after the WBCs die. The same enzymes contained within WBCs and normally are released to kill bacteria and viruses, are released into the soft tissues and nonspecifically damage the tissues. If left alone, this scarred tissue will worsen and eventually ulcers may occur. After successful treatment of the underlying problem veins, these changes may reverse over time. The discoloration and scarring of the skin around the ankles in the lower leg are often confused with complications of diabetes when venous insufficiency is the most likely cause. So, if you have been told you have diabetic discoloration in the legs, stasis dermatitis or lipodermatosclerosis(fat-skin-scarring) you deserve a venous evaluation.