Varicose Dermatitis or Stasis Dermatitis

Varicose Dermatitis is a type of eczema that usually affects individuals who have varicose veins and it is likely to be the middle aged or elderly. The cause for varicose eczema is poor blood circulation and it is mostly seen around the ankles and distally on the calves. This disease is also known as stasis eczema or stasis dermatitis.

Varicose dermatitis over varicose veins

The symptoms of varicose eczema are the swollen veins that protrude usually found on the back of the legs and around the ankles, and the overlying skin that is red, scaling and very often discoloured. Itchy and irritated patches form on the skin.The blood flow in the veins is not circulating freely and so the blood forms a pool and builds up on the surface veins. This part must be addressed when treating the condition, usually with tight elastic socks or bandages, or even surgical removal of the varicose veins. Edema on the legs are very common, and the eczema tends to persist if the edema is not reduced or eliminated.

Varicose dermatitis is usually accompanied by very thin skin, and short distance from skin surface to the varicose vein. The varicose veins are so fragile that they may rupture with bleeding if not treated sooner. If combined with anticoagulants, a bleeding like this may be troubling.

Varicose dermatitis may develop into a small ulcer that gets bigger to form an open wound, which in turn attracts bacteria while it worsens. Thus, infections are common.

Women at risk are those who are of childbearing age or just had a baby, or old persons of both sexes. Pregnant women can develop varicose dermatitis. Hormone changes in pregnant women are often involved in its genesis, but more important is the increased intra abdominal pressure due to the pregnancy. Old age is important because of the loss of elasticity in the veins, and the reduction of muscle tissue and the reduced use of the muscles of the extremities.

Varicose eczema is due to increased pressure within the veins in the leg. The pressure builds up because valves in the veins fail to work, which again is a result of widening of the veins for different reasons. This increased pressure allows a chemical called fibrin to escape from small blood vessels in the skin. Fibrin is then deposited around the blood vessels, forming a barrier which prevents oxygen and other essential nutrients from penetrating through to the skin where they are needed. Lack of oxygen and other substances causes the eczema. The damage to the small blood-vessels from the high pressure in the veins causes the release of red blood cells into the skin. This causes the brown and purple pigmentation. Rubbing and scratching worsen the eczema.

It is quite possible that the varicose dermatitis skin condition can get out of control and require seeing a skin specialist. A doctor will be able to advise the patient about the options of treatment that are available and will prescribe medication depending upon the extent of this skin condition.

The skin condition may develop with skin lesions and open ulcers that have to be bandaged to protect the skin from any further widening of veins and the lesions by reducing the edema. Extreme cases involving amputation of the extremity result from not getting appropriate treatment of this skin condition, especially in diabetics with bacterial super infection and the development of gangrene.

The basis of the treatment is the establishment of proper circulation. This is done with elastic bandages around the legs, and having the legs high up while seated. Bandages and the elevation of legs is to reduce edema. Without reduction of edema, the treatment will most probably be unsuccessful, whatever one does. To improve circulation with herbs, click here. Bandaging and elevation of legs will still be necessary, even with these wonderful herbs.

Treatment of varicose dermatitis in its initial stage may involve topical steroids and specialized emollients. Use emollients regularly and with caution. This will help to moisture the skin and help to clear up the condition.

Make sure you clean the skin also using tamanu oil, both as a disinfectant, an emollient and a strong would healer. Tamanu oil is also moisturising and has antiinflammatory action.

Tamanu oil will assist with fighting any bacterial infection, heal both the infection and the inflammation and the healing of the wounds and ulcers. It will help to rejuvenate the skin and speed up the healing process.

A doctor will prescribe a steroid cream that you can use for a specified time period to stop the itching.

For the itch, herbs may be more soothing to the skin. Get More Information on Eczema Cream for Itchy, Inflamed, Red, Dry and Flaky Skin

Consider also the herbal medicine Skin Dr. It is known to bring eczemas to silence for long periods.

Take care of your body from the inside and out. If you drink at least 8 glasses of water each day, it will help to flush out your system. This will help to improve the condition of your skin.

Watch your diet. Eat foods like vegetables and fruits. Take care of your body and it will take care of you

Do not doubt the power of exercise. Even a walk each day or three times per week is enough to keep you in a healthy state of mind and sweat the toxins from your body to give you healthier skin.