If you are watching this video, I presume you have a skin rash and you are concerned
that you have varicose eczema and that it might turn into a leg ulcer.
In this video I will tell you what you need to look for, what features are strongly suggestive
of varicose eczema and what you should do about it.
First of all, let me make an important point right at the start.
Eczema is not a diagnosis.
It is in fact a reaction of the skin to a number sources of inflammation.
For example, some irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents and bubble baths cause eczema,
environmental factors such as house dust, pollen and pet fur can cause it as well as
food allergies, certain types of clothing and infections.
In all cases when the skin becomes inflamed, it reacts in exactly the same way – it becomes
red and itchy.
To begin with, the skin may be weepy and oozing but as time goes by the skin becomes thickened
and pigmented.
So if the appearance of the skin does not tell us what the cause of the redness and
itchiness is, how can you tell if you have varicose eczema?
Well, the main clue is the site of the eczema, that is specifically where it is on your body.
Varicose eczema only develops on the lower legs below the knees.
I have never seen cases affecting any other part of the body.
In fact, I have never seen varicose eczema extend to involve the skin of the knee.
So you have eczema affecting other parts of your body is not varicose eczema.
Now here’s a catch, if you do not have varicose veins, but you have eczema affecting your
legs above or near the ankles and nowhere else, you may still have varicose eczema.
Now, this point is so important it is worth repeating just to be clear.
Varicose eczema can occur without varicose veins.
So what exactly is varicose eczema?
Well in my opinion the correct definition would be an inflammatory
reaction of the skin caused by a defect in the leg vein circulation – vein malfunction
- and a better term would be venous eczema.
This should be regarded as a damaging inflammation of the skin caused by a leg vein problem or
malfunction either in the superficial veins, deep veins or the connecting veins.
Varicose veins on the surface near the skin may or may not be visible.
So what should you do?
Well as you probably know if the damage is allowed to continue, a leg ulcer may develop
and to rectify the leg vein malfunction , you will need a duplex ultrasound scan of your
leg veins to see exactly what the problem and what can be done about it.
So here are my top tips.
If you have, red, itchy skin around or above your ankles and nowhere else, suspect venous
eczema, seek medical advice and request a duplex ultrasound scan even if you don’t
have varicose veins.
I still see many people with this condition who are not diagnosed or treated properly
so it really is up to you.
If you would like more information about venous eczema visit our website or request our free
information fact sheet on venous eczema.
In addition, if you would like to request a consultation and scan give us a call.