Venous Eczema
(Diseases)
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about Venous Eczema.
What is stasis dermatitis?
- Also known as venous dermatitis or Venous Eczema, it is a chronic skin condition caused by increased pressure in the leg veins. It most often affects the lower legs, and the accompanying venous valve insufficiency can lead to leg swelling, increasing the risk of serious complications such as venous ulcers. It is more common in individuals with varicose veins and is an indicator of poor blood flow in the leg veins.
- Skin discoloration may vary depending on skin tone:
Fair skin: Affected skin may appear red or brown.
Darker skin: May appear dark brown, purple, or gray, and can sometimes be harder to detect.
- What are the symptoms of Venous Eczema?
- It can affect the feet or lower legs, on one or both sides, and rarely appears in other parts of the body. Symptoms include:
- Dry and scaly skin.
- Swelling and redness of the skin.
- Itching.
Skin discoloration.
- Leg swelling.
- Some may experience additional symptoms, such as:
- Thin and tight skin that can harden over time, leading to lipodermatosclerosis.
- Small white scars known as atrophie blanche.
Pain.
Spread of eczema to other body areas.
If left untreated, Venous Eczema can worsen and lead to leg ulcers, which are wounds caused by skin breakdown.
- What causes Venous Eczema?
- While some people may develop Venous Eczema without an obvious cause, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition:
- Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure in the leg veins.
- Pregnancy: Adds pressure to the veins in the legs.
- Family history: A family history of venous insufficiency can contribute.
- Prolonged immobility: Affects circulation in leg veins.
- History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Can damage venous valves.
Aging: Reduced mobility may weaken circulation.
Kidney failure or heart failure.
- How is Venous Eczema diagnosed?
- Diagnosis typically involves:
- Medical history and physical examination
Additional tests,if needed, such as:
Skin biopsy: To rule out other conditions if the diagnosis is unclear.
- Ultrasound imaging: To check for blood clots.
- Allergy testing: To confirm symptoms are not due to allergic reactions.
- What are the treatment methods for venous eczema?
- Treatment of Venous Eczema typically involves a combination of the following measures:
Self-care through physical activity and frequent leg elevation to improve blood circulation.
- Using moisturizers to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness.
- Applying topical corticosteroids, such as ointments or creams used to treat eczema and relieve symptoms.
- Wearing compression stockings, which are specially designed medical socks that provide graduated pressure on the legs—tighter at the foot and ankle and gradually decreasing upward—helping promote circulation.
- How can Venous Eczema be prevented?
- Avoid salt-rich foods.
- Engage in regular physical activity, such as a 10-minute brisk walk after long periods of sitting or standing.
- Moisturize the skin, especially on the feet and legs.
Elevate the legs periodically.
Avoid standing or sitting for extended periods.
- Use medical compression stockings to improve blood circulation.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- What are the complications of Venous Eczema?
- If not treated, Venous Eczema may result in:
Leg ulcers: Deep, painful wounds that take a long time to heal.
- Skin infections: Such as cellulitis, which may worsen and require urgent medical attention.
- Chronic lipodermatosclerosis: Permanent thickening of the skin from chronic inflammation.
- Permanent skin discoloration.
When should you see a doctor?
If there are changes in skin color, texture, or unusual swelling or ulcers.
If you experience persistent pain.
