Skin Rash like Eczema
Schedule A Free ScreeningVenous stasis dermatitis is a skin condition that 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 a rash with irritation, inflammation and discoloration.
This rash can look similar to eczema, but it is a different condition with a different cause. It can affect anyone with vein problems, but it is more common in individuals over the age of 50 and occurs more frequently in women than in men. Venous stasis dermatitis can be called by other names, such as gravitational dermatitis, varicose eczema or venous eczema. If you want to learn more about eczema-like rash, you can call 888-782-8346.
What Causes Venous 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. This is a condition called chronic venous insufficiency.
When blood pools in the lower legs, it keeps nutrients and oxygen from reaching the tissues and triggers inflammation. In response, the skin may become irritated and itchy. Skin affected by venous stasis dermatitis may be scaly and rough, and is sometimes red or discolored, though not always.
Varicose Veins
When veins become enlarged and twisted because of valve weakness, varicose veins can appear. These visible veins are a sign that blood is not circulating as it should. Pooling in the lower legs can eventually cause skin irritation and rash-like changes.
High Blood Pressure or a Heart Condition
High blood pressure and certain heart conditions can affect how well blood moves through the body. Some patients with these conditions may notice fluid collecting in the lower legs. The swelling can stretch the skin and reduce oxygen delivery, causing dry and itchy skin.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
Blood clots can damage the veins and their valves, known as deep vein thrombosis. Even after the clot resolves, circulation in the legs can still be impaired, a condition called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Those with PTS experience chronic venous insufficiency caused by vein damage from the blood clot. As increased pressure and reduced blood flow affect the tissues, patients may experience a skin rash.
Sitting or Standing for a Long Time
One of the risk factors for CVI is having a lifestyle that keeps you in one position for too long. Muscle contraction is essential for proper blood flow because the contractions help to push blood upward back to the heart. With a sedentary job, blood can begin to pool and stretch out veins, eventually leading to skin irritation, swelling, aching legs and other venous symptoms.
Obesity
Excess weight places more pressure on veins in the pelvis and legs, which can slow blood flow and put strain on vein valves. Those with obesity are at a higher risk for venous disease and resulting skin irritation and dryness.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is another time when patients are more at risk for vein concerns because of the added pressure the uterus puts on pelvic veins and the increased blood volume. These individuals may also experience hormone changes that relax vein walls and affect circulation. If an eczema-like rash or other symptoms have started since your pregnancy, you can come in for a vein evaluation.
When to See a Vein Doctor Near Me
If you have a persistent skin rash like eczema on your lower legs that does not improve with moisturizers or creams, it may be related to a vein issue. Ongoing scaliness, itching, burning, or changes in color all warrant an assessment by a vein doctor. Without treatment of the underlying vein issue, the rash may persist or get worse, and can even lead to leg ulcers. You may also notice other symptoms along with your rash, including:
- Restless legs
- Leg heaviness
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Leg aching
- Leg ulcers
- Ankle and leg swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Itching & burning
- Muscle cramping
Why Physicians Vein Clinics
- Board-certified vein specialists who diagnose and treat vein disease every day
- 14 convenient vein centers across South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Minnesota
- All vein treatments are minimally invasive and performed in-office with little to no downtime
- Free vein screening available with no referral required, and most insurance plans accepted
How Is Varicose Eczema Treated?
Compression Therapy
Conservative therapy focuses on non-invasive approaches such as wearing prescription-grade compression stockings to reduce swelling and improve circulation, along with regular exercise and a healthy diet to support overall vein health. Prescription stockings start with 20-30mmHg compression, but higher compression may also be beneficial for certain patients.
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
Another treatment that treats the cause of venous eczema is endovenous radiofrequency ablation. This treatment addresses chronic venous insufficiency by closing diseased veins with heat. Once the affected vein collapses, the body absorbs it and sends blood to healthy veins in the legs.
Varithena
Varithena is a prescription microfoam treatment used for weakened veins. It is delivered through injection without sedation. This treatment has a high success rate in treating veins and reducing symptoms caused by poor circulation.
VenaSeal
We can permanently seal malfunctioning veins with VenaSeal. This medical adhesive closes the vein to relieve vein irritation as blood immediately begins flowing through healthy veins.
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.
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy allows us to treat deeper problem veins. We inject a medicated foam into the vein while we monitor placement with ultrasound technology. The foam causes the vein to close to reduce pooling of blood.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove varicose veins located just beneath the surface of the leg. It is a commonly performed vein treatment and is highly effective at relieving symptoms and improving appearance.
Find a Vein 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.
Call 888-782-8346
FAQs about Varicose Eczema
What are the symptoms that can be seen alongside varicose eczema?
- Itchiness in the affected area
- Swelling in the ankle or leg
- Rash that is sometimes red
- Leg heaviness or leg aching, especially after a prolonged period of sitting or standing.
- Varicose veins covered with dry, scaly or irritated skin
- 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 venous stasis dermatitis begin with treating the underlying circulatory problems.
Are there any complications of varicose eczema?
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
- Bacterial infection: Cellulitis, a serious infection that affects body tissues, can develop and spread through the leg.
Is varicose eczema the same as regular eczema?
No, varicose eczema is not the same as regular eczema. Varicose eczema, also called venous stasis dermatitis, is caused by poor circulation in the lower legs rather than a primary skin condition. Eczema can be present in those without vein conditions and may be caused by genetic or autoimmune factors, or a weakened skin barrier.
Can varicose eczema go away on its own?
Varicose eczema typically does not go away on its own if underlying vein problems are not addressed, though the condition may flare and subside depending on activity level and other factors. However, moisturizers or creams may calm irritation temporarily.