Hemosiderin staining product of trauma or venous insufficiency

Dear Doctors: I broke my ankle about 18 months ago. Now, in the area just above the break, the skin on my leg has turned a dark color, like a bruise.

It doesn't seem to be going away. Is there anything I can do to lighten this up? Do you think laser therapy could help?

Dear Reader: You have described a condition known as 'hemosiderin staining.'

The term refers to areas of discolored skin that usually…