Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreatmentsCauses and Risk FactorsSymptomsPreventionSeeing a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treatments
Causes and Risk Factors
Symptoms
Prevention
Seeing a Provider
Eczema on the legs may be treated differently depending on which part of the leg is affected. Lower leg eczema, also called varicose eczema or stasis eczema, affects about 70% of people over 70.Treatment for the condition is similar to the treatment of eczema in other areas of the body, but may also include specialized therapies such as the use of compression socks or hosiery.
Eczemais a group of inflammatory skin disorders that cause dry, inflamed, and intensely itchy skin. Also called atopic dermatitis, there are several types of eczema. The symptoms associated with eczema can develop on various body areas, including the legs.
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Treatments for Leg Eczema
There are manytreatment options available for leg eczema. Because there is no cure for the condition, treatments revolve around reducing flare-ups and managing the condition as well as avoiding unwanted and sometimes debilitating symptoms.
The best treatment for you may depend on your specific diagnosis and the location of your eczema flare-up. Flare-ups are periods when the symptoms are worse, so take extra care of your skin during those episodes.
Generalized Treatments for Eczema
Treatment optionsfor the body, including the whole leg can include:
There is no single best cream for eczema, but studies show that different types of products can be effective.The best cream for you may be a combination of products, such as a moisturizing cream and a topical corticosteroid when flare-ups arise.
There are also simple things you can do at home to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Caring for your skin on a regular basis may help to reduce the use of prescription medications.
When a flare-up occurs, you’ll want to take extra steps to care for the skin and minimize the need to scratch. Scratching can lead to further inflammation and an increased need to scratch, called theitch-scratch cycle.
Home Remedies for a Flare-UpSome at-home remedies for an eczema flare-up include:Using a cool compress on the area to relieve the itchTaking acolloidal oatmealbathPracticing stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.Using over-the-counter creams that are formulated for eczema
Home Remedies for a Flare-Up
Some at-home remedies for an eczema flare-up include:Using a cool compress on the area to relieve the itchTaking acolloidal oatmealbathPracticing stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.Using over-the-counter creams that are formulated for eczema
Some at-home remedies for an eczema flare-up include:
Treatments for the Lower Leg
Treatments for varicose eczema are similar to treatments for the rest of the body. The basic skincare recommended for generalized atopic dermatitis is a good starting point when managing lower leg eczema. However, there are more options for this specific type, such as:
Compression stockings can be found in many pharmacies and even in sporting goods stores (athletes sometimes wear them to improve circulation and recovery). However, the level of compression varies from product to product. Your healthcare may prescribe a specific grade of compression gear for your specific condition.
Keep in mind, however, that compression socks or stockings don’t work for everyone. In some cases, the stockings may be too painful to wear, especially if you have developed leg ulcers.Communicate with your provider if you can’t wear them as often as prescribed.
In managing your eczema, always keep an eye out for signs of infection. If you notice your skin becoming hot or inflamed, if there is any oozing, or if you develop a fever, reach out to your healthcare provider. They may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent or manage a skin infection.
Thecause of eczemaisn’t well understood. Some research suggests that there is a genetic component, and it’s also thought that dysfunction in how the immune system works plays a role.Your environment may contribute to eczema development andflare-upsas well.
In the specific case of varicose eczema, the condition and its symptoms arise because of increased pressure in the legveins. Veins have valves to help with blood flow; if they stop working, the blood does not flow in the proper direction.
When that happens, blood can flow backward into the veins and cause pressure to build up. This pressure can lead to blood leaking into the tissues surrounding the veins. The swelling and inflammation that results can lead to varicose eczema.
Women are more likely to get varicose eczema than men, and if you spend long hours standing (especially in hot weather), you are also at an increased risk. Any kind of skin trauma, such as a bug bite or infection, can also be a factor in developing this condition.
Who Is Most Likely to Get Varicose Eczema?People at higher risk for varicose eczema or eczema of the lower leg include:Older adultsPeople with obesityPeople with high blood pressureThose who are sedentaryPeople withdeep vein thrombosisPeople with a family history of varicose veinsPeople with a history of cellulitis or phlebitis
Who Is Most Likely to Get Varicose Eczema?
People at higher risk for varicose eczema or eczema of the lower leg include:Older adultsPeople with obesityPeople with high blood pressureThose who are sedentaryPeople withdeep vein thrombosisPeople with a family history of varicose veinsPeople with a history of cellulitis or phlebitis
People at higher risk for varicose eczema or eczema of the lower leg include:
Symptoms of Eczema on the Legs
When eczema develops on the legs, the main symptoms can include:
On darker skin, eczema may have a purplish, brown, or ash-grey appearance. The redness that is typical on lighter skin is more challenging to see on darker skin, so providers may look for other symptoms when diagnosing eczema in people of color.
Varicose eczema, can present with the typical symptoms of atopic dermatitis as well as others, including:
Leg ulcers can result from swelling of the legs. Compression socks are the most common treatment for ulcerations, providing resolution about 70% of the time. However, in some cases, the ulcers do not resolve and may require surgery.
Eczema Prevention
You can’t prevent eczema from developing, but you cantake steps to avoid flare-ups. Eczema can come and go, so even though a person with eczema has it for life, they may have symptom-free periods.
The time between flare-ups will vary widely from person to person. The length of a flare-up will depend on the type of eczema a person has and the severity. In some cases, it will last only one to three weeks. In people with proper treatment plans, symptom-free periods can last for years.
To try to extend the length of time between flare-ups, you can:
Some people also find that certain foods trigger a flare-up. Though food-induced flare-ups may differ from person to person. Common trigger foods include:
What Can Trigger a Flare-Up?Some possible triggers of an eczema flare-up include:Letting the skin get dryIrritants such as household cleaning products or harsh soaps and body washesEmotional stressExposure to allergensHot or humid and cold or dry environmentsSun exposureSweatingHormonal changes
What Can Trigger a Flare-Up?
Some possible triggers of an eczema flare-up include:Letting the skin get dryIrritants such as household cleaning products or harsh soaps and body washesEmotional stressExposure to allergensHot or humid and cold or dry environmentsSun exposureSweatingHormonal changes
Some possible triggers of an eczema flare-up include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Anyone experiencing eczema should consult adermatologistif they have not yet been diagnosed. Symptoms can worsen if you don’t manage them effectively. Your healthcare provider will examine your legs and provide treatment options to help quell symptoms.
When you have seen a medical provider and know that you have leg eczema, you won’t need to contact them unless something about your condition has changed or your treatment plan isn’t working.
In the case of eczema on the legs, seeing your medical provider is more important because the condition could indicate a blood flow problem. You may have to see a specialist for varicose eczema because of the issues with the blood vessels and blood flow in the legs.
Varicose eczema requires treatment. Because of the underlying condition causing it, treatment will ensure proper blood flow. That will lessen the risk of leg ulcers.
Summary
Eczema can lead to intenseitchiness, dryness, flaky skin, or swelling. Though the cause of eczema isn’t well understood, genetics and environment play a role. One specific type that affects the legs, known as varicose eczema, results from inadequate blood flow and circulation in the legs.
Treatment options for eczema include medicinal creams or ointments, phototherapy, or drugs that suppress the action of the immune system. Varicose eczema may require more extensive treatment to remedy a person’s issues with blood circulation.
If you notice any symptoms of leg eczema, you should contact your medical provider for an appointment. A proper diagnosis will lead toappropriate disease managementand fewer uncomfortable flare-ups.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eczema Society.Varicose Eczema.Thomsen SF.Atopic dermatitis: Natural history, diagnosis, and treatment.ISRN Allergy.2014 Apr 2;2014:354250. doi:10.1155/2014/354250Ridd MJ, Wells S, MacNeill SJ, et al.Comparison of lotions, creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of childhood eczema: the BEE RCT.Health Technol Assess. Published online October 2023:1-120. doi:10.3310/gzqw6681van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Lavrijsen A, Christensen R, Arents B.Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2016:CD012119. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012119National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Home remedies: What can relieve itchy eczema?UK National Health Service.Varicose eczema.Yosipovitch G, Nedorost ST, Silverberg JI, Friedman AJ, Canosa JM, Cha A.Stasis dermatitis: an overview of its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023;24(2):275-286. doi:10.1007/s40257-022-00753-5Girolomoni G, Busà VM.Flare management in atopic dermatitis: from definition to treatment.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2022 Jan 13;13:20406223211066728. doi:10.1177/20406223211066728National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Eczema Association.6 Tips to Manage Eczema in the WinterNational Eczema Society.Clothing and Eczema.National Eczema Association.Does the Amount of Water You Drink Affect Your Eczema?Katta R, Schlichte M.Diet and dermatitis: food triggers.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014 Mar;7(3):30-36.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Eczema Society.Varicose Eczema.Thomsen SF.Atopic dermatitis: Natural history, diagnosis, and treatment.ISRN Allergy.2014 Apr 2;2014:354250. doi:10.1155/2014/354250Ridd MJ, Wells S, MacNeill SJ, et al.Comparison of lotions, creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of childhood eczema: the BEE RCT.Health Technol Assess. Published online October 2023:1-120. doi:10.3310/gzqw6681van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Lavrijsen A, Christensen R, Arents B.Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2016:CD012119. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012119National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Home remedies: What can relieve itchy eczema?UK National Health Service.Varicose eczema.Yosipovitch G, Nedorost ST, Silverberg JI, Friedman AJ, Canosa JM, Cha A.Stasis dermatitis: an overview of its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023;24(2):275-286. doi:10.1007/s40257-022-00753-5Girolomoni G, Busà VM.Flare management in atopic dermatitis: from definition to treatment.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2022 Jan 13;13:20406223211066728. doi:10.1177/20406223211066728National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Eczema Association.6 Tips to Manage Eczema in the WinterNational Eczema Society.Clothing and Eczema.National Eczema Association.Does the Amount of Water You Drink Affect Your Eczema?Katta R, Schlichte M.Diet and dermatitis: food triggers.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014 Mar;7(3):30-36.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Eczema Society.Varicose Eczema.Thomsen SF.Atopic dermatitis: Natural history, diagnosis, and treatment.ISRN Allergy.2014 Apr 2;2014:354250. doi:10.1155/2014/354250Ridd MJ, Wells S, MacNeill SJ, et al.Comparison of lotions, creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of childhood eczema: the BEE RCT.Health Technol Assess. Published online October 2023:1-120. doi:10.3310/gzqw6681van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Lavrijsen A, Christensen R, Arents B.Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2016:CD012119. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012119National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Treatment.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Home remedies: What can relieve itchy eczema?UK National Health Service.Varicose eczema.Yosipovitch G, Nedorost ST, Silverberg JI, Friedman AJ, Canosa JM, Cha A.Stasis dermatitis: an overview of its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023;24(2):275-286. doi:10.1007/s40257-022-00753-5Girolomoni G, Busà VM.Flare management in atopic dermatitis: from definition to treatment.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2022 Jan 13;13:20406223211066728. doi:10.1177/20406223211066728National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Eczema Association.6 Tips to Manage Eczema in the WinterNational Eczema Society.Clothing and Eczema.National Eczema Association.Does the Amount of Water You Drink Affect Your Eczema?Katta R, Schlichte M.Diet and dermatitis: food triggers.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014 Mar;7(3):30-36.
National Eczema Society.Varicose Eczema.
Thomsen SF.Atopic dermatitis: Natural history, diagnosis, and treatment.ISRN Allergy.2014 Apr 2;2014:354250. doi:10.1155/2014/354250
Ridd MJ, Wells S, MacNeill SJ, et al.Comparison of lotions, creams, gels and ointments for the treatment of childhood eczema: the BEE RCT.Health Technol Assess. Published online October 2023:1-120. doi:10.3310/gzqw6681
van Zuuren EJ, Fedorowicz Z, Lavrijsen A, Christensen R, Arents B.Emollients and moisturisers for eczema. In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2016:CD012119. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012119
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Home remedies: What can relieve itchy eczema?
UK National Health Service.Varicose eczema.
Yosipovitch G, Nedorost ST, Silverberg JI, Friedman AJ, Canosa JM, Cha A.Stasis dermatitis: an overview of its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023;24(2):275-286. doi:10.1007/s40257-022-00753-5
Girolomoni G, Busà VM.Flare management in atopic dermatitis: from definition to treatment.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2022 Jan 13;13:20406223211066728. doi:10.1177/20406223211066728
National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.
National Eczema Association.6 Tips to Manage Eczema in the Winter
National Eczema Society.Clothing and Eczema.
National Eczema Association.Does the Amount of Water You Drink Affect Your Eczema?
Katta R, Schlichte M.Diet and dermatitis: food triggers.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.2014 Mar;7(3):30-36.
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