31/01/2024
Varicose eczema Varicose eczema is a long-term skin condition that affects the lower legs and is common in people with varicose veins.
It is also known as venous eczema, gravitational eczema and stasis eczema.Signs and symptoms
Like all types of eczema, the affected skin becomes:
itchy
red and swollen
dry and flaky
scaly or crusty
There may be periods when these symptoms improve and periods when they become more severe.
Your legs may become swollen, especially towards the end of the day or after long periods of standing. Varicose veins (swollen and enlarged veins) are often visible on the legs.
Some people also have other symptoms, such as:
brown discolouration of the skin
red, tender and tight skin that can eventually become hardened (lipodermatosclerosis)Varicose eczema is caused by increased pressure in the leg veins.
When the small valves in the veins stop working properly, it’s difficult for blood to be pushed against gravity and it can leak backwards.Varicose eczema tends to be a long-term problem. However, treatments are available to help keep it under control.
For most people, treatment involves a combination of:
self-help measures – including ways to improve your circulation, such as keeping active and frequently raising your legs
emollients – moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry)
topical corticosteroids – ointments and creams applied to the skin to help treat the eczema and relieve symptoms
compression stockings – specially designed stockings, usually worn every day, that steadily squeeze your legs and help to improve your circulation
If these treatments don’t help, your GP may refer you to a dermatologist (skin specialist) in case there is another cause for your symptoms or if they are concerned you may also have a type of eczema called contact dermatitis
This increases the pressure in the veins, which can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue. It is thought that varicose eczema may develop as a result of the immune system reacting to this fluid.
Varicose eczema is more common in people with varicose veins, as these are also often a sign that the leg veins aren’t working properly
small, white scars (atrophie blanche)
pain
eczema affecting other parts of the body
Left untreated, leg ulcers can develop. These are long-lasting wounds that form where the skin has become damaged.
