Varicose Eczema Treatment

Eczema is a common skin condition that results in the appearance of red, inflamed, dry, and itchy patches of skin. The reaction is typically marked by red, bumpy plaques with fluid-filled blisters. When the blisters break open, the affected skin can ooze pus. In chronic eczema, the blisters are less noticeable but the skin gets hardened, rough, and scaly. There are numerous types of skin conditions that resemble eczema, so a correct diagnosis is important in addressing a patient’s complaints.

A proper skincare regimen that includes moisturizing regularly is essential in the prevention of various types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Unfortunately, eczema is not a condition that can be cured; it can only be treated to improve symptoms. The treatment process usually aims to repair cracked, damaged skin and lessening the severity of overall symptoms.

Varicose Eczema

The reaction pattern consists of a red elevated plaque with red fluid-filled blisters. The skin looks red and can be slightly shiny. Varicose Eczema more commonly affects older people. As many as one in five people over the age of 70 develop varicose eczema. It affects people with varicose veins or have had a varicose vein surgery. Those who have had a thrombosis in a deep leg vein too may suffer from this disease.

Treatment

Compression Socks

Compression stockings need to be worn in the morning and taken off when it is time for bed. They are specially designed stockings that squeeze the legs tightly at the foot and ankle and become looser further up the leg. This helps improve circulation.

Emollients

Emollients are key in the management of varicose eczema. It is a moisturizer applied to the skin. Apply within 30 minutes of taking a bath to lock in the moisture. It must be applied in large amounts. In case of extremely dry skin, apply the emollient every 2-3 hours to keep the impact of the moisturizer intact.

NSAID Ointment

There is a new prescription-strength anti-inflammatory called Crisaborole on the market. It is non-steroidal and must be applied to affected areas twice a day. Patients 2 years and above can use this ointment. It brings the skin back to its normal appearance and reduces inflammation.

Skincare at Home

Skin care involves a process of keeping the skin well-moisturized. Avoid wearing clothes with rough or prickly material and opt for clothing items with soft fabric that is made of 100% cotton. Take warm baths daily and follow it up with a thorough application of a moisturizer of your choice that helps with dryness. Resist to urge to scratch the affected parts of your skin and keep your nails short. Consult with your doctor about the use of antihistamines to ease intense itching.

Keep away from irritants such as wool and lanolin (an oily substance derived from sheep wool used in some moisturizers and cosmetics). Keep a humidifier in the room as well. Finally, use mild soaps while bathing.

Topical Corticosteroids

Topical Corticosteroids are ointments and creams applied to the skin to help treat varicose eczema. Apply an emollient first and wait around 30 minutes before applying the prescribed topical corticosteroid. Do not apply in large amounts and dab the ointment only on the affected areas.

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Posted on May 22, 2023

Varicose Eczema is a gravitational skin condition that affects the lower legs. It usually occurs in people with varicose veins, which are large or twisted veins due to improper blood flow.

Treatments can vary, but the golden rule in managing varicose eczema is to avoid injuring the skin around the areas affected and to moisturize using creams, such as emollients.

Along with these obvious principles, you should remember to keep an active lifestyle by going on regular walks every day. Blood flow in the legs plays an important part in varicose eczema. When you are walking, the flow of blood will be pushed back the veins, but when you are seated, there is more pressure being put on the legs.

If following this fundamental rule is not working out, try going to your doctor who may be able to prescribe a topical steroid cream or ointment for you.

Topical Steroids

Topical medications containing steroids will help to reduce inflammation caused by varicose eczema. A small amount of a steroid ointment is usually applied to the affected area at least two times per day. Make sure that the ointment is properly rubbed in and has completely disappeared from the surface of the skin.

Stockings

In addition to topical creams and ointments, compression stockings may also help to alleviate some of the symptoms caused by varicose eczema. These stockings work by applying pressure to the legs which helps to move blood back up the veins of the legs. This relieves pressure in the veins and prevents blood leakage in surrounding tissue. Before using compressions stockings, it is advised that you make sure the circulation through the arteries of your legs is normal.

The stockings come in class 1, class 2, and class 3 levels, with class 2 being the level that is, on average, tolerated by most people. It is recommended to have two sets fo stockings, worn in a rotation. Stockings come in closed and open-toed versions, and you can choose the right pair based on your personal preference. Open-toed stockings would be helpful if you have larger feet, or if you have pain in your toes due to arthritis or an infection.

Remember that compression stockings should always be taken off before bedtime. Compression stockings must be prescribed by a physician and should be replaced every three to six months. It is important to follow the appropriate washing instructions on the label of your compression stockings as any stretching or altering of the elastic could prevent them from working properly.

If your varicose eczema is not responding to any of the treatments mentioned above, you should go to a doctor.Your doctor may offer other options, such as being referred to a dermatologist for your skin or a surgeon who specializes in arteries and veins. Patch testing may also be done in order to determine if you have developed contact dermatitis.

An operation may also be in order if your doctor reaches the conclusion that the only way to effectively relieve you of your symptoms is to repair the varicose veins.

Posted on April 21, 2018