Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
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Varicose Eczema Symptoms
Like all types of eczema, the affected skin becomes:
In people with lighter skin, the affected area may look red, while in those with darker skin, it may be grayish. It generally first appears as a patch of skin just above the ankle but may spread to other parts of the body.
Your legs may also become swollen, especially at the end of the day or after long periods of standing.
Some people with varicose eczema develop other symptoms, including:
Left untreated, varicose eczema can progress toleg ulcers, long-lasting wounds where the skin has become damaged. If varicose eczema begins emitting discharge, it is important to seek medical care immediately.
This increases the pressure in the veins, which can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue. It’s 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 since they are a sign that the leg veins are not working properly and circulation is poor. One example is chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when your leg veins don’t allow blood to flow back up to your heart.
Risk factors of varicose eczema include:
Order of Blood Flow Through the Heart
A dermatologist, a specialist in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails, or a primary care physician can diagnose varicose eczema. They will make the diagnosis based on your medical history and a physical exam. They will ask you some questions to determine whether you have a problem with the flow of blood in your leg veins.
Your doctor will also want to know whether you have had the following conditions:
Your doctor may also perform an ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) test to see if there is reduced blood flow to your lower limbs. If so, you may need to wear compression socks or stockings to improve circulation and possiblyprevent varicose veinsfrom becoming worse.
The ABPI test compares blood pressure readings taken from your ankles and upper arms. A significant difference in the readings can suggest a narrowing or blockage of blood flow in your legs.
Treatment for varicose eczema includes:
Causes and Risk Factors for Blood Clots
Summary
A Word From Verywell
From both a cosmetic and long-term health perspective, varicose eczema can create unique challenges in your life. Work with your primary care provider to ensure you receive a proper referral to a dermatologist who can help you identify the causes and treatment options to manage your varicose eczema.
What causes varicose eczema?
Chronic venous insufficiency and general poor circulation to the skin, particularly the legs, can lead to varicose eczema. When blood reaches your legs, valves in your legs allow it to flow back toward your heart. As we age, these valves tend to weaken. A bad leg injury, heart disease, or another condition can also damage these valves in your legs. When the valves weaken, some blood stays in your legs and cause venous insufficiency.
What type of cortisone cream do you use for varicose eczema?
To reduce swelling, corticosteroids like triamcinolone 0.1% ointment are often used. These drugs require a doctor’s prescription. You may need to use triamcinolone for a few weeks, along with a compression stocking or wrap that you will wear all day.
How do you treat varicose eczema?
What type of specialist do you see for varicose eczema?
Adermatologistis a doctor who treats conditions of the skin, hair and nails. This specialist is the best doctor to see for varicose eczema.
4 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.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.National Eczema Association.Stasis dermatitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Chronic venous insufficiency.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Stasis eczema causes.
4 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.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.National Eczema Association.Stasis dermatitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Chronic venous insufficiency.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Stasis eczema causes.
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.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.National Eczema Association.Stasis dermatitis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Chronic venous insufficiency.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Stasis eczema causes.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.
National Eczema Association.Stasis dermatitis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Chronic venous insufficiency.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: Stasis eczema causes.
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