VARICOSE ECZEMA

Varicose eczema or stasis dermatitis occurs in the middle to late years of life and appears on the lower legs. It is caused by poor circulation. It is also called stasis eczema. It affects the ankles, which become speckled, itchy and inflamed. It is frequently treated with emollients and steroid creams. If untreated, an ulcer may develop.

A common problem that is associated with varicose ulcers is contact allergic eczema caused by medications applied to the skin such as steroids, topical antibiotics, lanolin and also preservatives in various preparations. If this is suspected, skin patch testing may help to identify the problematic substance.

Varicose eczema is associated with varicose veins.

Varicose eczema causes the skin around the ankles and shins to become discolored (red or brown), thick and itchy, fluid accumulates in the tissues just beneath your skin creating a swollen appearance. Varicose veins and other chronic conditions in your legs can cause a buildup of fluid. This swelling edema is caused when plasma (the fluid portion of blood) leaks out of the blood vessels and into the tissues. The excess fluid in the tissues interferes with the blood's ability to feed the tissue cells and dispose of cellular waste products. When walking the leg muscles pump blood upwards and valves in the veins prevent pooling. A clot in the deep leg veins (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) or varicose veins may damage the valves. As a result back pressure may develop and cause fluid to collect in the tissues. The affected leg is usually swollen, particularly after prolonged standing and during hot weather. Eczema can arise as discrete patches or affect the leg circumferentially. The affected skin is red and scaly, and may ooze, crust and crack. It is frequently itchy.The tissue becomes poorly nourished and fragile. The condition is common on the ankles because there is less supportive tissue in this area.

A secondary condition common problem that is associated with varicose ulcers is contact allergic eczema caused by medications applied to the skin such as steroids, topical antibiotics, lanolin and also preservatives in various preparations. If this is suspected, skin patch testing may help to identify the problematic substance.