11 Subtle Clues You Can Spot to Catch PVD Before It Progresses

5. Shiny or Thin Skin on Lower Legs

Sometimes, a close look at your lower legs can reveal subtle shifts in skin texture. With PVD, the skin on your legs may start to look a little shinier than usual, or feel thinner and more fragile to the touch. This isn’t just a cosmetic change—healthy blood supply keeps skin nourished and resilient, so a dip in circulation can make it appear glassy or overly smooth. It may even seem like your skin is thinner than it used to be, or tears more easily. Notice these changes alongside other clues in this list rather than stressing over any single detail. Regular moisturizing and gentle care can support your skin, but if shininess or thinning sticks around, it’s a prompt to bring it up at your next appointment. Think of this as you would other small shifts—your body’s way of tapping you on the shoulder before bigger issues develop, always rooting for you to care for yourself with gentle attention.

6. Loss of Hair on Legs and Toes

Noticing a few bare patches or thinning hair on your shins and toes? It’s not unusual, especially as we get older, but it can also be an early clue of PVD. Hair follicles rely on a steady supply of nutrients carried by healthy blood flow. When circulation gets sluggish, hair growth can slow down or stop altogether, leaving previously hairy areas smooth or even shiny. This change tends to show up gradually and isn’t cause for embarrassment—just a sign to keep an eye out for other symptoms. If you notice that leg or toe hair has quietly disappeared or stopped growing back after shaving, especially if you see it alongside skin changes or numbness, make a mental note. It’s less about looks and more about what’s happening under the surface. Bringing these small shifts up during your checkup helps your provider put the whole puzzle together, supporting your health from the inside out.