Can Varicose Eczema Be Cured?
In the early stages, yes, Varicose Eczema can be cured. However, it must be treated early. Once Varicose Eczema is fully established, it becomes a long-term (or chronic) problem.
Results of Treating Varicose Eczema Early
This photograph shows the results of treating varicose eczema at an early stage by Endovenous Laser Ablation. Six months after treatment, the skin has returned to normal.
When the underlying cause of varicose veins and varicose eczema is treated at an early stage, the skin often returns to normal.
What causes varicose eczema?
The true nature of varicose eczema is a malfunction of the veins of the legs which causes inflammation and scarring of the skin and underlying fat layer. T looked at under the microscope.
What is the treatment for varicose eczema?
The underlying vein problem should be diagnosed by Duplex Ultrasound and it should be rectified if possible.
Over half of all cases of varicose eczema are caused by a malfunction in the superficial veins of the leg- veins which lie deep to the skin but superficial to the leg muscles. These problems in the superficial veins can nearly always be cured by non-invasive procedures under local anaesthetic on a walk-in walk out basis — procedures such as laser, radiofrequency, foam sclerotherapy or superglue.
Varicose eczema is a condition in which the skin is damaged and there may be permanent scarring and changes only visible under the microscope. The area is vulnerable and although the vein condition can be cured, the skin may not completely return to normal.
Results of Treating Advanced Varicose Eczema
Once varicose eczema has been present for a long time, the skin is damaged and some areas may be damaged “beyond repair”.
This means that although the underlying superficial venous reflux is cured, the skin may not return to normal. In this photograph, the superficial venous reflux was treated by Endovenous Laser Ablation. A Duplex Ultrasound Scan afterwards confirmed that the vein condition had been cured. As you can see, there were large varicose veins and swelling with severe varicose eczema before treatment.
Six months later, the veins are gone, the swelling is gone and the itch and discomfort are gone. However, although the skin is much better, it has not returned to normal. There are areas of discolouration which may continue to fade, but they are unlikely to go away completely.
"Varicose Eczema should be treated at an early stage before the skin is damaged beyone repair."
Summary
- Varicose Eczema can be cured if it is treated early and the skin will return to normal.
- If there is extensive skin damage, successful treatment of the underlying veins will improve the symptoms of itch and swelling. Treatment will also reduce the risks of a leg ulcer. However, discolouration may not go completely and the damaged skin may still be vulnerable to injury.