Feel itchy on your feet? Is your skin red and flaky? Such symptoms are characteristic of a specific disease called varicose dermatitis. This is not the simple dermatitis that many of us imagine.
Varicose dermatitis is a skin lesion that occurs in places where the veins have ceased to fulfill their functional purposes. It is not an independent disease. Occurs as a result of vascular damage by varicose veins and thrombosis.
In case of damage to the extremities by varicose dermatitis, it is necessary to contact a phlebologist, since first of all it is necessary to treat the cause of the disease, and not the affected area.
Varicose dermatitis
Varicose dermatitis is a skin disease in which the skin located above the veins becomes inflamed, begins to peel and itch.
This occurs when the function of the veins is disrupted due to varicose veins. The venous walls gradually become thinner, and liquid blood components begin to leak through them. Because of this, inflammation develops, which manifests itself on the skin as peeling and inflammation that is very itchy. Scratching wounds leads to an increase in the inflammatory response. Varicose dermatitis on the legs has a chronic course, so the skin condition should be constantly monitored. If the disease is started, trophic ulcers are likely to form.
Trophic venous eczema - what is it?
Trophic venous eczema is a pathological condition that occurs in the form of autoimmune dermatitis, that is, serous non-infectious inflammation of the skin (mostly the papillary layer of the dermis and epidermis), accompanied by symptoms of swelling, redness, itching and pain.
Trophic venous eczema
Venous eczema is a type and common form of eczema, which is caused by congestion in the skin due to impaired venous outflow. Venous eczema is also called varicose, congestive or gravitational. It most often has a chronic (recurrent) course. The pathology affects one or both lower extremities in combination with venous insufficiency. In the modern European, and most popular among leading experts, classification of chronic venous diseases - CEAP, this pathology is designated as C4a. This means quite severe tissue damage due to chronic venous edema.
Reasons for appearance
The main cause of varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities is a violation of venous circulation. This condition develops as a result of varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, and venous thrombosis of blood vessels. The development of the disease is provoked by:
- long stay “on your feet” – work in a standing position, long walking;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- overweight;
- traumatic lesions of veins;
- a “sedentary” lifestyle, due to which an increased load is placed on the venous valves.
Experts' opinion
TM La-Cri products are recommended by the Union of Pediatricians of Russia. Clinical studies conducted by specialists have proven the high efficiency, safety and tolerability of products, including for daily skin care of children with mild and moderate forms of atopic dermatitis and during remission, accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life of patients. As a result of therapy, a decrease in the activity of the inflammatory process, a decrease in dryness, itching and flaking was noted.
Sources:
- Smirnova G.I. Atopic dermatitis and skin infections in children, Russian pediatric journal, 2014 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/atopicheskiy-dermatit-i-infektsii-kozhi-u-detey
- G.V. Molokova, E.V. Bukina, Diaper dermatitis in children with sensitive skin, Journal of Dermatology and Allergology, 2019 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/pelenochnyy-dermatit-u-detey-s-chuvstvitelnoy-kozhey
- N.L. Rybkina, Modern approaches to newborn skin care: pediatrician tactics, Journal of Modern Clinical Medicine, 2014 https://cyberleninka.ru/article/v/sovremennye-podhody-k-uhodu-za-kozhey-novorozhdennogo-taktika-pediatra
Photos of dermatitis
Photo album on the disease
Symptoms
Varicose dermatitis on the legs develops in 3 main stages:
- The skin in the vein area is slightly changed. The skin becomes purple-reddish and periodically itches. During palpation, small compactions can be felt. The skin peels and becomes colder to the touch. Sometimes you can see transparent bubbles.
- Swelling and associated soreness are observed in the affected areas. Peeling of the skin is noticeable. The itching becomes intense. Transparent bubbles are very noticeable and burst from time to time. In place of the burst bubbles, a wound surface appears. Palpation of the affected areas reveals lumps resembling wen.
- The number of transparent bubbles increases significantly. The skin becomes brownish. There are so many burst bubbles that the area where they were located becomes wet. The patient suffers from severe itching. The skin becomes covered with ulcers that are prone to suppuration.
Trophic venous eczema - diagnosis
Diagnosis of venous eczema in public and private urban medical institutions often begins in a dermatologist’s office, where a specialist evaluates local changes in the skin. It is very important here that the patient is referred to a good phlebologist in a timely manner. If eczematous changes are associated with venous pathology, then treatment of skin manifestations only is likely to be ineffective. Even a visual examination by a phlebologist using all kinds of functional tests often does not reveal the true cause of the pathology. At this stage, the best solution would be a good ultrasound examination of the veins of the lower extremities.
Ultrasound diagnosis of trophic venous eczema
Only competent modern diagnostics of the venous system will help determine the correct treatment tactics.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at:
- elimination of inflammatory foci;
- reduction of swelling;
- increasing the intensity of blood circulation in the affected areas;
- moisturizing the seal area;
- sanitization of the affected area, cleaning it from contaminants, preventing the appearance of pus.
Features of therapy depend on the stage of development of the disease.
- At the 1st stage, tablets are prescribed for varicose dermatitis, which increase the contractile properties of the vein walls. The constant use of compression garments is indicated, which improves the functioning of blood vessels, relieves fatigue, and prevents the development of edema. Antihistamines are prescribed to relieve inflammation and itching. To prevent the skin from cracking, with varicose dermatitis it should be lubricated with creams.
- At stage 2, the treatment method remains the same, but stronger agents are used. For example, for the treatment of varicose dermatitis, not only antihistamines, but also hormonal ointments are prescribed. Inflamed areas are lubricated with antiseptics. To prevent varicose dermatitis from progressing to the next stage, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
- At the 3rd stage, surgical intervention is possible, aimed at eliminating vascular obstruction and preventing the development of emerging trophic ulcers. During the operation, necrotic tissue and an enlarged section of the vein are excised. Measures are also taken to eliminate acute inflammation. The ulcers are washed and treated with antiseptic drugs. Drugs are injected to increase blood permeability in problem vessels. Elastic bandages are used almost constantly. Antihistamines are also administered intravenously. If there are indications, surgical intervention should not be delayed, since the transition of trophic ulcers to a chronic form can lead to disability of the patient. At the same time, the opportunity to restore lost health is minimal.
You can read about the drugs that are prescribed during the treatment of pathology at https://apteka911.ua/medical-uses/varikoznyiy-dermatit-s17790. What creams and ointments to use for varicose dermatitis in a particular case should be decided by a specialist. The doctor also chooses the method of facilitating the movement of blood through the vessels (systemic use of blood-thinning drugs, local injections). When varicose dermatitis is diagnosed, ointments are selected so as not to duplicate the active ingredients that are administered with other dosage forms (for example, by injection).
Why does trophic venous eczema occur?
Venous eczema is most often observed in middle-aged and elderly patients - according to leading European dermatologists, it affects up to 20% of patients over 70 years of age. This is due to the following reasons:
- Phlebeurysm.
- Previous deep vein thrombosis of the affected limb.
- The presence of venous trophic ulcers.
- Previous cellulitis on the affected limb.
- Chronic swelling of the lower leg, aggravated by hot weather and prolonged static position (standing).
The main cause of the pathology is varicose veins, which is why you can sometimes come across the term “Varicose eczema”.
Venous eczema of atypical localization
Quite often, signs of eczema can be found in young patients with a long history of varicose veins. There is no doctor, both in public and private clinics, who would not observe venous eczema in patients under 40 years of age.
Frequently asked questions about dermatitis
How to recognize varicose dermatitis?
Varicose dermatitis is easily recognized by redness, peeling and itching in the area where the veins pass.
How long does it take to treat varicose dermatitis?
The sooner tablets and ointments for varicose dermatitis are used, the more effective the treatment will be. Since this is a chronic disease prone to relapse, therapy can take several years.
Which doctor treats varicose dermatitis?
To cure the disease, you should make an appointment with a phlebologist.
Trophic venous eczema is very bad
Varicose eczema has a chronic, relapsing course and a tendency to progress. Quite often you can encounter a situation, especially in public hospitals, when only dermatologists treat venous eczema. Considering the main etiological component of the pathology, impaired venous outflow, treatment of such patients takes years.
Chronic recurrent eczema on the right lower limb
The disease slowly recedes, but invariably appears again. Moreover, trophic changes in the lower extremities progress, lipodermatosclerosis occurs, and then an ulcer appears.
Trophic eczema, treatment in Moscow
Good treatment of venous eczema in Moscow can be divided into local (topical effect on skin inflammation) and treatment of the venous system. In the first, a dermatologist is often actively involved. Local treatment includes:
- Ointments and creams, steroid drugs, both as part of the latter and as part of systemic treatment.
- The use of antibiotics and antiseptics when an infection occurs.
Often, in the conditions of public medicine, patient care ends at the stage of the above topical treatment. This is not the best solution, since the disease is based on completely different reasons and a relapse of the disease will not take long to occur. Namely, venous stasis, which requires a slightly different approach. It is very important that a patient in Moscow has a timely appointment and diagnosis with a good phlebologist who can determine the correct tactics for managing the patient. The treatment of venous eczema is based on eliminating stasis and improving venous blood flow. Correction of the latter most often involves removing pathologically altered varicose veins. The presence of innovative technologies in modern Moscow centers makes it possible to effectively treat even complicated forms of varicose veins, moreover, on an outpatient basis.
Treatment of trophic eczema in our phlebology center
Leading medical centers in Moscow for the treatment of venous pathology use thermoobliteration techniques for these purposes. In a good city medical phlebology center you can count on safe, effective treatment. Modern vein removal procedures are performed under local anesthesia through skin punctures with minimal surgical trauma.
Trophic venous eczema - laser treatment (EVLO, EVLT), radiofrequency treatment (RFA, RFO)
Considering that radical treatment of varicose eczema is the treatment of venous pathology, it is modern methods of removing varicose veins that will be the main way to combat eczema itself. Today, the undisputed leaders at the forefront of innovative treatment of varicose veins are thermal obliteration techniques, laser and radiofrequency. If we compare both technologies, there are simply no fundamental differences for the patient.
Treatment of trophic eczema with radiofrequency
What are the advantages of thermoobliteration technologies:
- Radicality and effectiveness (when used by experienced specialists, the result is practically 100%).
- Low invasiveness, the procedure is carried out through skin punctures.
- Highest cosmetic value.
- Full outpatient, no need for anesthesia or hospitalization.
- Safety and comfort of the procedure for the patient.
The result of laser treatment of trophic eczema after 1 month
After endovascular treatment, the symptoms of eczema quickly resolve on their own.
Trophic varicose eczema - treatment without surgery
The main factor in the development of congestive eczema is the pathology of the venous system. Therefore, there is no need to talk about any effective treatment without radical intervention. The best solution would be to stop the inflammation and carry out a procedure to remove varicose veins. But is surgery really that scary?
Trophic eczema - laser treatment in our center
Modern European technologies for vein removal are not inferior to advanced manipulations in dentistry in terms of minimal surgical trauma and possible side effects. But today it would not even occur to anyone to refuse caries treatment due to fear of intervention.
Results of treatment of trophic venous eczema. Photos before and after treatment
The result of treatment of trophic eczema using endovenous laser coagulation (EVLC) using German Biolitec technology in our center
Photos before and after treatment of trophic eczema on the left lower limb
The result of treatment of trophic venous eczema using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in our patient
