Is Varicose Eczema Serious? It’s a question I get asked alot. I will explain why Yes,
varicose eczema is serious. I will also cover what it is, what causes it, what it looks
like, what you should do if you think you have varicose eczema.
My name is Dr Haroun Gajraj Director of The VeinCare Centre, helping you find freedom
from unsightly and uncomfortable veins as well as veins causing health problems. If
you are new here, make sure you click that subscribe button and all the links in the
video description box below.
So let’s get started. And stay to the end, where I will share with you the 5 things you
should know if you have varicose eczema.
Varicose eczema is an inflamed area of skin on the leg caused by a fault in the function
of the veins under the skin called superficial venous reflux or by a problem in the deep
veins following a deep vein thrombosis. Yes, it is a serious condition because it is a
warning sign that you are at risk of a leg ulcer. Varicose eczema becomes urgent if symptoms
are very troublesome. Here is what you need to know.
Varicose eczema is caused by a malfunction of the veins of the legs. Blood doesn’t
flow normally and the skin does not receive the nutrients and oxygen that it needs to
remain healthy. The skin is damaged and responds by becoming inflamed. Inflammation is the
body’s normal response to injury. The skin becomes red, itchy and thickened. The underlying
problem with varicose eczema is not in the skin, but in the veins.
The characteristic feature of varicose eczema is its position on the leg. Nearly all cases
of varicose eczema appear around the ankle, just above the ankle bones. So, any patch
of dry, scaly, red itchy skin around the ankle should be regarded as varicose eczema until
proven otherwise.
If you think you have varicose eczema, you should seek a medical opinion. Varicose eczema
is a serious medical condition. It is not urgent, so you have time to seek proper medical
treatment.
There are many things you should consider if you have varicose eczema.
The following steps may help reduce the symptoms of varicose eczema and help prevent further
problems: Try to avoid injuring your skin – injuries
to your skin could lead to an ulcer developing Raise your legs when you're resting – for
example, by propping up your feet on some pillows (ideally so that they're above the
level of your heart), as this can help reduce swelling
Keep physically active – this will improve your circulation and help you maintain a healthy
weight Use a moisturiser
Compression stockings
The majority of people with varicose eczema have a problem with the leg veins that can
be cured by non-invasive procedures under local anaesthetic on a walk-in walk out basis.
If the varicose eczema has been a problem for many years, the skin may have been damaged
and there may be permanent scarring which cannot be repaired by the body’s natural
healing processes. Therefore, even if the underlying vein problem is cured, the skin
may not completely return to normal. The sooner the veins are dealt with the better.
Dermatologists or GPs with alot of experience and knowledge of skins conditions can help
with varicose eczema in 2 ways: To make a diagnosis.
To help with distressing symptoms of itch. However, once the diagnosis is confirmed,
the advice of a vein specialist should be sought and if a vein problem can be treated,
the underlying issues with veins should be dealt with. Long term use of steroid creams,
which can be helpful in the early stages should be avoided. Steroid creams will quickly settle
the itch and redness, but if used for a long time, they actually thin the skin and the
skin becomes more vulnerable to injury.
Varicose eczema should be taken seriously. It is a warning sign that the skin is being
damaged by inflammation and if neglected and not treated, varicose eczema will progress
to a leg ulcer. In the initial stages, varicose eczema may come and go.
Now at the beginning I said that I would tell you the 5 things you must know about varicose
eczema and here they are.
Referral to a vein specialist for a duplex ultrasound scan is essential in all cases
of varicose eczema. It will detect the exact vein abnormality and the results of the scan
will form the basis of the plan for curative treatment.
Varicose Eczema is a complication of leg vein problems not a skin problem.
Varicose Eczema indicates that the skin is being damaged and that the area is at risk
of ulcers. Moisturising creams are helpful and there
are many self-help things you can do at home Steroid creams provide temporary relief but
if used frequently, the skin becomes more vulnerable to injury and ulceration
Thank you for staying to the end. In the description below, you find a link to my blog on this
subject with even more information. I look forward to seeing you in my next video.