Question
What would be the reason for the ankles and tops of feet turning into brown, large patches?  No pain is experienced, but look as though they were actually bruised, in some way?

Answer
This Chicago, South Loop & Elmhurst Podiatrist of AnklenfootCenter.com says.......

Dear Jan,

Sounds like dermatitis-an irritation of the skin on the top of the foot. There are many kinds of dermatoses that affect the foot. Could also be some irritation on the skin on the ankle due to perspiration or irritation from a certain shoe. Try some antifungal cream and cortisone cream.
If it does not improve in one week-stop the creams and consider seeing a podiatrist.
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenter.com are specialists in these kind of cases.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst.
Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com