Here we discuss Varicose Eczema including the appearance, symptoms, causes and how to help treat this particular skin condition.

Varicose Eczema is a skin condition that is usually seen in the elderly, and usually, it shows itself as the skin on the lower legs become pale red, then progresses to a dark red and often can turn to a stained brown sort of color.

With Varicose Eczema the skin on the lower leg also gets slightly thicker and raised. It can also be very painful to the patient but also some people have had Varicose Eczema and not experienced any pain at all, so it really depends and is not the only symptom that is analyzed.

Does Your Skin Itch?

People also experience itchiness, and this can be very mild and hardly noticeable to pretty unbearable, because your skin is red with Varicose Eczema, it is often seen as an infection instead of a type of eczema.

The main treatment that is given to patients that are suffering from this is to keep their legs elevated. So if sitting your legs could be placed on a stool - this allows for better circulation to the area. Other options of treatment are to keep active and moving, apply moisturizers and occasionally steroid ointments are prescribed by a doctor to help.

More Symptoms of Varicose Eczema

• The skin should feel cool to the touch, not warm, so this is where the infection is usually ruled out and Varicose Eczema is considered.
• The skin gets flaky and scaly which is a common issue with a lot of different types of Eczema.
• The skin, particularly around the ankle, may feel hard or tight.
• You can get little blisters within the skin. Sometimes these are hard and do not have any liquid present and then sometimes they can leak liquid when irritated or pressed.
• The most common area where Varicose Eczema starts is around the inside of your calf, above your ankle.

Some skin may ‘break down’ into an ulcer, but this is uncommon and may be linked to other issues of the skin, so please consult a doctor.

What Causes It?

This type of eczema is generally caused when the pressure increases in the veins running under the skin and in the muscles of the legs, the raised pressure is down to a leaky valve in the veins causing this reaction.

When those valves in the legs are not working well, it is difficult for the body to help get blood back up the legs against gravity.

So, they are holding onto a lot more blood than they should, causing the leak. Essentially blood cells and fluid leak into the legs and cause inflammation, the inflammation then irritates the skin, and this type of eczema occurs. Over time the skin that has been affected becomes harder and discolored.

Proactive Measures

Though this is a condition that usually occurs in older people, it has been known to effect younger people so it is always good to ensure proper blood flow to the legs, which can be achieved by keeping active like walking and making it easier for blood to move against the gravity in your legs. Getting into the habit of this early on can help you prevent complications with blood flow to the legs.

While our Honey & Oatmeal bar soap won’t help increase your blood flow, it will help moisturize the skin on your legs; and everywhere else! Our soap was designed by Eczema sufferers and each natural ingredient was carefully selected.

However, we do have to advise consulting with your physician before using our soap if you’re currently taking any medications or applying topical ointments. Because our natural soap bar contains essential oils, this can cause an adverse reaction when mixed with certain medications.