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Varicose Eczema

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Long-term skin condition
  • Affects lower legs
  • Linked to varicose veins
  • Caused by poor leg vein circulation
  • Treatments manage symptoms

Overview

Varicose eczema, also known as venous or stasis eczema, is a chronic skin condition primarily affecting the lower legs. It develops when valves in leg veins don't work properly, leading to increased pressure and fluid leakage into surrounding tissues. This often occurs in people with varicose veins. The immune system reacts to this fluid, causing skin changes like itching, dryness, and discoloration. While it's a long-term issue, various treatments are available to control symptoms and prevent complications. Management typically involves improving circulation, moisturizing the skin, using steroid creams, and wearing compression stockings to support blood flow.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Itchy and swollen skin
  • Dry and flaky patches
  • Scaly, crusty, or blistered skin
  • Red or brown discoloration on white skin
  • Dark brown, purple, or grey discoloration on darker skin
  • Leg swelling, especially after standing
  • Visible varicose veins
  • Tender, tight, hardened skin (lipodermatosclerosis)
  • Small, white scars (atrophie blanche)
  • Eczema on other body parts
  • Leg ulcers (if untreated)

Things That Increase the Risk

  • Female sex
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Family history of venous insufficiency
  • Long periods of immobility
  • Previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Increasing age
  • Existing varicose veins

Diagnosis

  • GP examines affected skin
  • Questions about medical history (e.g., varicose veins, DVT, leg injury)
  • Check foot pulses
  • Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) test
  • Referral to vascular specialist or dermatologist for further tests

Treatment & Management

  • Self-help measures (stay active, elevate legs)
  • Emollients (moisturizers) to prevent dryness
  • Topical corticosteroids (creams or ointments) for inflammation
  • Compression stockings to improve circulation
  • Referral to dermatologist for persistent symptoms
  • Referral to vascular specialist for varicose vein treatment

Prevention

  • Manage underlying varicose veins
  • Maintain an active lifestyle
  • Elevate legs regularly
  • Wear compression stockings as advised
  • Keep skin moisturized
  • Avoid prolonged standing
  • Manage body weight

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Varicose Eczema:

Varicose Eczema Treatment

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View treatment

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Varicose Eczema:

Endovenous ablation

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View surgery

Contents

Quick Info

Affects

Lower legs, skin, veins

Prevalence

Common, especially with varicose veins

Diagnosis

Skin exam, medical history, ABPI test

Treatment

Moisturizers, steroid creams, compression stockings

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Reviewed on July 3, 2026

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