For most people, treatment for varicose eczema involves a combination of:
- self-help changes
- emollients - moisturising treaments
- topical corticosteroids - medicines you put on your skin
- compression stockings
Your GP may refer you to a specialist to treat varicose eczema or another condition.
Self-help tips for varicose eczema
To reduce the symptoms of varicose eczema and prevent further problems:
Do
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try to avoid injuring your skin - skin injuries can lead to leg ulcers if you have problems with your blood flow
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raise your legs when you sit or lie down - try to keep your feet above the level of your heart
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do sitting exercises - these can help your blood flow if you have reduced mobility
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do regular physical activity - activities such as walking help improve your blood flow
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use an emollient as recommended by your GP
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move your legs often if you have to sit or stand for a long time - flex your feet, rise up onto your toes or bend at the knees
Emollients
Emollients reduce water loss and cover your skin with a protective film.
Your GP can recommend an emollient for varicose eczema. You may need to try different emollients to find one that works for you.
Use an emollient at least twice a day, even if you do not have any symptoms. It's important to keep using emollients during a flare-up of varicose eczema. This is when your skin needs emollients the most.
Topical corticosteroids
If emollients do not control your symptoms, your GP may prescribe a topical corticosteroid. Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation and irritation.
Your GP will tell you how much to use and how often.
If you use both topical corticosteroids and emollients, put on the corticosteroid first and let it soak in. Wait at least 10 minutes before you put on the emollient.
Compression stockings
Compression stockings help improve your vein function. The stockings squeeze your legs to improve your circulation.
They are usually tightest at the ankle and less tight further up your leg. This encourages blood to flow upwards towards your heart.
To be most effective, you put on the stockings as soon as you get up. You only take off the stockings at night when you go to bed.
Getting compression stockings
Compression stockings are available in different sizes, styles and pressures.
Ask a GP about the best type of compression stockings for you.
Light compression such as flight socks may be enough in some cases. You can buy light compression socks in a pharmacy.
If you need a higher grade of compression, your GP practice or pharmacy can help arrange:
- the right size and type of stocking for you
- things to help you put on and remove your stockings
Treating other conditions
Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist or a vascular surgeon if:
- you have significant varicose veins
- there may be another cause for your symptoms
- you may have contact dermatitis
A dermatologist is a skin specialist. A vascular surgeon is a blood vessel specialist.
Stop smoking
Smoking affects your blood circulation.
When you quit smoking, the health benefits start right away.
Complementary therapies
Some people try complementary therapies to treat varicose eczema.
But there is not much evidence to show that they help.
Talk to your GP if you're thinking about using a complementary therapy. This is to make sure the therapy is safe for you. Continue with any other treatments prescribed by your GP.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
