Is Varicose Eczema Serious?
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- čas přidán 11. 04. 2021
- 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.
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 - Zábava
Eat fresh plant based food. No sugar no dairy products no packaging food. Coconut milk is good and almond milk is good. Eat Green Greens and sun bath every day.
I have this specifically! I drive truck, started developing about 8 months ago, thought it was from a material in pants I was wearing but when I switch to shorts and no change. Only on my left calf. I don’t have visible varicose veins but my mom has them so there’s a family history.
Thank you for the excellent explanation
Thank you for your description of varicose eczema, it has given me some reassurance, but l I do need to make An appointment to see you.
If you have varicose eczema, I strongly advise that you see a vein specialist. Where do you live?
I hope you can give me some advice. I have been struggling with chronic venous reflux and venous insufficiency for 3 years. I also was hospitalized with Cellulitis on my right leg. Both my legs above my ankles are inflammed and severely discolored. I have been to a wound center because i had a leg ulcer and they put me in a Unna Boot. Which helped close the ulcer but it did not help with the inflammation. I have been on numerous antibiotics for the pain and inflammation usually Cephalaxin. I am seeing a dermatologist she has given me a Kenalog 40 steroid injection which helped the inflammation but then a month later it came back. I have also seen a Vascular surgeon who told me that i have a chronic problem that cannot be cured only managed with elevation and compression. I have tried to wear compression sto ckings but it hurts my legs. I live in new jersey. If there is any advice or help you can offer me i would really appreciate it. Thank you.
Thanks for the valuable medical information doctor.
You're welcome
Thanks for the excellent advice. Am being treated with anti inflammatory pills but am considering going for an ultrasound.
I think I have varicose eczema. My skin gets getting red, swollen and sometimes ichy. I am teacher and most of time I seat on my table doing online lessons. I apply moisturizing cream and itchiness stops. You said compression is it hot compress, cold compress or compression stockings. Please enlighten me more on some personal treatment since it is pandemic and seniors are not allowed to go out. I am 69 years old. Thank you.
I have veins now it's a sore on my ankle. An my legs are itchy. Thanks 4 ur advise
I am 50 years old
I suffered a fracture in the metatarsal bone of my right foot due to playing football a year ago. Only twenty days after applying the cast, I felt severe pain in the muscles of the back leg. Unfortunately, I did not know that it was a symptom of a leg stroke. I knew that it was a stroke in the deep and superficial veins after removing the cast. The gypsum remained installed for two months..
I was admitted to the hospital and they gave me blood clot medication for five days... and I spent nine days at home... and to this day I use blood thinners...
My question:
1 Is there any hope that the vein valves will return to work?
2 How likely are you to develop varicose veins?
3 How likely are you to develop venous ulcers?
4 How often should I use compression stockings? Should I use them below or above the knee?
5 How often should I use thinners?
6 Should I go back to playing football or running?
Thank you for taking the time to comment. These questions are too specific for me to address. Please consult you healthcare professional
@@VeinCareAcademy thank you for your reply
Sorry for your issues friend. I find myself in the same situation. I'm 54 and have been an athlete my whole life so I'm in great shape but being less than 100% is worrying as you well know. Have you found any answers to your questions? I'm interested in the same answers.
I appreciate any feedback you can provide.
Best regards,
JimiG
I can't get a doctor's appointment due to the pandemic.
I've had varicose excema on my notes for years - but now both the front of my lower legs is bright red and it looks like it's pooling into my feet.
What on earth do I say when I ring my doctors up? I've had the worsening symptoms for several months now but haven't contacted my doctors as they have never suggested anything could be done for the condition.
I'm getting quite worried as my legs are so unsightly now.
Sorry to hear of your distress. Keep trying and insist on an appointment.
I guess that I should go to the doctor.
Me too.
I have vericos eczema please help me sir
What I treat
see www.theveincarecentre.co.uk/varicose-eczema/
Oops
1year
www.theveincarecentre.co.uk/varicose-eczema/
I have varicose exima
Sorry to hear that. Keep the area moisturised, protect against injury, consider compression and see a specialist
I am 60 and I have got legs of a 28 year old
And the boastfulness of a 4 year old