Can Varicose Eczema be Cured? What is the Cure for Varicose Eczema? Yes, Varicose Eczema can be cured, but only, if it is correctly diagnosed and treated.
What is Varicose Eczema and How is it Diagnosed?
Varicose Eczema is sometimes called Venous Eczema, Gravitational Eczema or Stasis Eczema.
These terms mean the same thing. They apply to a rash on the lower leg and they seem to describe why it develops. However, the terms are used interchangably for pretty much any rash which is
- Near the ankle;
- itchy and swollen;
- dry and flaky.
In the early stages of the development of varicose eczema, the rash may come and go.
It might even respond to moisturising creams and “disappear”. It might get better in the summer and then return in the winter.
For these reasons, it might not seem serious or important. But if it is not treated properly, it will inevitably get worse.
Once varicose eczema is established, the skin has already been damaged.
Not all of this damage can be repaired or reversed. That’s why it is so important to treat varicose eczema at an early stage.
If varicose eczema is ignored, the skin may crack and become infected leading to sepsis. If the skin breaks down, a chronic leg ulcer may develop.
All of this can be avoided if varicose eczema is recognised and treated at its early stage.
This is a photograph of Varicose Eczema. The skin rash is in a typical area of the lower leg. But, as you can see, there are no varicose veins!
This is why terms such as varicose eczema, gravitational eczema and stasis eczema are unhelpful and sometimes misleading.
The true nature of varicose eczema is a malfunction of the veins of the legs and varicose veins may not be visible.
Probably the best term to use is Venous Eczema. But because the term Varicose Eczema is so widely used, we and other healthcare professionals continue to use this term for the condition.
Varicose Eczema can be present without any Varicose Veins at all. Therefore, the diagnosis of Varicose Eczema should be considered for anyone with a rash near the ankle even if varicose vein are not present.
A Duplex Ultrasound Is Necessary to Diagnose Varicose Eczema
Only a Venous Duplex Ultrasound Scan will show if the veins are faulty and if the ankle rash is actually “Varicose Eczema”. Only after a scan can a plan can be made for accurate treatment.
This unfortunate lady had Varicose Eczema for 10 years before she came to see me.
Because there were no varicose veins, the true cause of her problem was not suspected.
You can see the severity of the swelling by the presence of a line or “dent” which has been made by the top of the sock. Indents and marks made by socks indicate that there is a build up of fluid in the leg – a condition called Venous Oedema.
She had been told over the years that there was nothing that could be done.
She did her own research on the internet and discovered that something could be done. That’s why she came to see me.
Endovenous Ablation
National Guidelines are that Laser Ablation is one of the best treatments for this condition.
Results of Treatment
Despite having had varicose eczema for over 10 years, the result of treatment by Endovenous Laser Ablation is dramatic.
Only 6 weeks after treatment, the pain, itch and weeping have all gone.
Furthermore, the skin has healed and has nearly returned to normal.
A Duplex Ultrasound Scan performed at her 6 week check-up showed that she no longer had Superficial Vein Reflux.
This lady is no longer at risk of ulcers and she can get on with her life without worrying about her leg.
Her coment as received the good news was “I wish I had known about this treatment years ago! I was told there was nothing that could be done for it. I did my own research and found the The Veincare Centre.”
Her case study is a little unusual. Often people who have had varicose eczema for such a long time have some degree of irreversilbe skin damage that does not respond so well.
Treatment sooner rather than later is always advisable.
Early treatment of Varicose Eczema is always the best advice.