Varicose eczema is a long-term skin condition that affects the legs. It can happen if you have problems with your leg veins, such as varicose veins or a blood clot.
Treatment can help control varicose eczema.
Varicose eczema is also called:
- venous eczema
- gravitational eczema
- stasis eczema
Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin.
Symptoms of varicose eczema
Skin affected by varicose eczema can change colour and become:
- itchy and swollen
- dry and flaky
- scaly, crusty or blistered
White skin can look red or brown. Black or brown skin can look dark brown, purple or grey. Colour changes are sometimes difficult to see.
Sometimes your symptoms may improve but then come back.
You may also have:
- swollen legs - this usually happens at the end of the day or after standing for a long time
- varicose veins - swollen and enlarged veins
- a history of leg ulcers
Other symptoms
Some people also have other symptoms, such as:
- heavy tired legs
- small, white scars (atrophie blanche)
- eczema on other parts of the body
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
the skin on your legs becomes:
- itchy and swollen
- dry and flaky
- scaly, crusty or blistered
What happens at your GP appointment
Your GP can often diagnose varicose eczema by looking at your skin.
They may ask you if you ever had:
- varicose veins - swollen and enlarged veins
- deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - a blood clot in the veins of your legs
- leg ulcers - areas of damaged skin that take several weeks to heal
- surgery or injury to your legs
Your GP may check the pulse in each foot. This is to see if compression stockings are suitable for you.
Referral to a specialist
Your GP may refer you to a specialist if you have:
- varicose veins and changes to your skin - such as varicose eczema or leg ulcers
- problems with the blood flow in your legs
- signs of a leg ulcer
- signs of contact dermatitis
The specialist could be a:
- vascular specialist - a doctor or surgeon that specialises in blood vessels
- dermatologist - a specialist in skin conditions
Your GP may also refer you if your symptoms do not improve after treatment.
Causes of varicose eczema
Varicose eczema is usually caused by problems with the blood flow in the leg veins.
When valves in the leg veins do not work well, the following can happen:
- Blood can flow down the leg instead of flowing up towards the heart.
- The leg veins swell and the pressure in the veins increases.
- Fluid leaks into the tissue around the veins.
- The immune system reacts to the fluid and causes varicose eczema.
People most at risk of varicose eczema
Varicose eczema happens most in older people. It is common in people age 70 or older.
Varicose eczema is linked with other leg problems such as:
- a history of blood clots
- varicose veins
- long-term swelling
- repeated episodes of cellulitis
Some people get varicose eczema for no obvious reason.
Treating varicose eczema
For most people, treatment involves a combination of:
- self-help changes - such as regular physical activity and raising your legs when resting
- emollients - moisturisers you put on your skin
- topical corticosteroids - ointments or creams you put on your skin to help treat the eczema and relieve symptoms
- compression stockings - stockings that help improve your blood flow
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
