Eczema occurs when venous insufficiency in the legs interferes with healthy blood flow, most commonly affecting the lower legs. As pressure builds within the veins, fluid and blood components can leak into the surrounding skin, leading to irritation, inflammation, and discoloration. While eczema can affect anyone, it is more common in individuals over the age of 50 and occurs more frequently in women than in men.

Symptoms of Varicose Eczema

  • Swelling. The first sign you notice might be swollen ankle, especially at the end of the day
  • Red rash
  • Leg heaviness or leg aching, especially after a prolonged period of sitting or standing.
  • Varicose veins covered with dry, itchy, or irritated skin
  • Red, discolored skin
  • Leg Ulcers

Other symptoms behind this type of eczema include varicose veins, achy legs, swollen legs, dry, itchy skin and more serious problems such as cellulitis. Treatment and management of Eczema begin with treating the underlying circulatory problems.

Causes of Varicose Eczema

  • Chronic Venous insufficiency. Your legs have one-way valves that help blood move through and back to the heart from the legs. As the valves get damaged or weakened, blood flow has difficulty moving back to the heart.
  • Varicose veins
  • High blood pressure or a heart condition
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Sitting or standing for a long time
  • Lack of Exercise
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy

Varicose Eczema Complications

Eczema can worsen over time without proper treatment. It can lead to:

  • Intense itching sensations
  • Shrinking of the lower part of the leg
  • Worsening skin discoloration
  • Bacteria infection: Cellulitis, a serious infection that affects body tissues, can develop and spread through the leg.

Treatments for Varicose Eczema

As circulation is the main cause, your vein doctor may suggest surgery to repair faulty veins. To treat varicose eczema, our vein clinic is specialized in minimally invasive vein care and vein treatment. Our procedures include:

Conservative Therapy

Conservative therapy focuses on non-invasive approaches such as wearing compression stockings to reduce swelling and improve circulation, along with regular exercise and a healthy diet to support overall vein health.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove varicose veins located just beneath the surface of the leg. It is one of the most commonly performed vein treatments and is highly effective at relieving symptoms and improving appearance.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which a vein specialist injects a solution directly into the affected vein, causing it to close and gradually fade over time.

Find a Clinic Near You

Varicose eczema is often linked to underlying vein disease and can cause persistent itching, inflammation, and skin changes in the lower legs. If you’re experiencing ongoing irritation, discoloration, or discomfort, scheduling a free screening with one of our providers is an important first step. At Physicians Vein Clinics, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify the venous causes of varicose eczema and recommend appropriate treatment options, all while providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Schedule your initial screening today—we look forward to helping you manage symptoms and protect your skin health.