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.
Causes of the occurrence and development of varicose veins in the legs
The most common causes of varicose dermatitis include:
- Venous thrombosis of blood vessels.
- Phlebeurysm.
- Various infectious diseases.
- Leg injuries subsequently damaged veins.
- Chronic venous insufficiency.
- Diabetes
- Diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus).
And also concomitant diseases in people susceptible to varicose dermatitis are often obesity or atherosclerosis.
People with diabetes are prone to varicose veins
Non-drug
Initially, the patient is recommended to change his lifestyle. A person must want to be treated and do everything possible for this.
The main stage is medicinal treatment. It is aimed at restoring the vascular wall and improving the condition of the skin. If necessary, the doctor prescribes treatment for concomitant diseases.
Physical symptoms of varicose dermatitis
For each person, the manifestations of venous dermatitis are individual, but there are a number of common symptoms, primarily associated with changes in the condition of the skin of the lower extremities:
- Inflammation of the skin on the legs and ankles. In areas of inflammation, the skin becomes hot and changes its color to purple-red.
- There is also constant severe itching, which further exhausts the patient.
- Swelling of the lower extremities may occur. Sometimes swelling can be very severe, requiring medical treatment with diuretics.
- Formation of blisters on the skin. They break open, forming a crust, or go away on their own.
- The skin takes on a rough appearance, becomes dry, rough, and brown spots appear.
- At an advanced stage of the disease, ulcers or non-threatening areas may appear.
- Venous dermatitis on the legs develops in several stages. Of course, it is necessary to start treatment as early as possible at the first signs of the disease. Be sure to seek advice from a qualified specialist.
Varicose dermatitis in the initial stages is manifested by swelling and itching
First stage
At the first stage of the disease, primary signs of venous dermatitis appear on the legs: the skin changes its color to purple-red, peeling and itching appears. All this happens around varicose veins.
Second stage
If measures are not taken in time and you do not consult a doctor, the disease progresses to the second stage. At this stage, swelling of the soft tissues associated with impaired lymphatic drainage begins to occur. Peeling occurs in patches, pain and itching intensify.
Third stage
The third stage of venous dermatitis entails the appearance of small blisters filled with clear liquid, and the skin acquires a brownish tint (this is due to a disruption in the conversion of hemoglobin). At this stage, the blisters open and form wet areas, thereby increasing the itching.
Fourth stage
At the last stage, the appearance of venous ulcers is noted. Without proper treatment, ulcers can fester and cause infection in the body.
Dermatitis develops around dilated veins
Signs of illness
Varicose dermatitis, what it is described above, has several stages of development.
Each of them has its own symptoms:
Capillary mesh
At first, the disease manifests itself in the form of heaviness in the lower extremities, their swelling is observed at the end of the day;- At the next stage, pain appears after physical activity; a violet capillary network and large vessels are visible on the skin;
- Swelling constantly increases, the lower extremities acquire a bluish tint, dry skin, itching and severe pain appear. This is due to disruption of lymph flow;
- At the next stage, pigmented areas form in the form of brown spots that peel off. In this case, a disorder of the sensitivity of the legs occurs, convulsions, skin separation, and blisters containing liquid appear;
- Then the formation of ulcers is observed, which indicates the appearance of chronic venous insufficiency. When the disease is neglected, the ulcers develop to large sizes and begin to fester, causing intoxication of the body.
Varicose dermatitis
Symptoms of the disease can appear not only on the legs, but also on the face, neck and groin area. Flaky areas appear on the face that constantly itch, and the skin around the lips becomes pale.
A scaly rash forms on the neck and groin, and scratching it can lead to infection. Very often, as the pathology progresses, depression occurs.
Note! It is recommended to contact a medical facility at the first manifestations of the disease.
Video about the disease
Making a diagnosis for varicose veins
IMPORTANT! To make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment, you must contact a qualified specialist.
Each patient has his own unique symptoms and manifestations of the disease. The doctor performs a physical examination, and sometimes additional laboratory tests may be needed to confirm the presence of the disease.
A test for allergic reactions is also carried out. If the test gives a positive result, allergens are identified and a list of measures necessary to get rid of allergens in everyday life is compiled.
Treatment of venous dermatitis
Treatment of this disease should begin at the earliest stages. The goal of treatment is to identify the cause of the disease and prevent its complications.
The main tasks of the doctor are:
- Strengthening vascular walls.
- Improving venous blood flow in the lower extremities.
- Restoration of lymph outflow.
- Healing of affected skin.
How can you cure dermatitis with varicose veins:
Moisturize your skin regularly
Keeping your skin moisturized is essential to prevent ulcers, flaking, and drying out. Moisturizing occurs by applying special creams to the affected surface. They relieve inflammation, have an antiseptic effect and improve the outflow of water, which helps relieve swelling in the lower extremities.
Applying a special cream will help moisturize the skin
Treatment with steroid ointments
Treatment of varicose dermatitis with this method usually has good results. But it is not recommended to use steroid drugs without consulting a professional doctor.
Wearing compression clothing
Wearing special compression stockings, which normalize blood circulation in the legs, can have a very positive effect on the legs of a patient with venous dermatitis.
You need to be in this therapeutic underwear throughout the day; you only need to take it off when taking water procedures. During rest, it is recommended to raise your legs slightly so that excess fluid does not accumulate and swelling does not occur.
If you do not have oozing wounds, your doctor may recommend that you wear a special bandage that is soaked in zinc.
Surgical exposure
This treatment method is used in advanced stages of venous dermatitis. Before applying this method, the general condition of the venous system is assessed using ultrasound.
Gradient vacuum therapy
Using this method, blood circulation and lymph outflow improve, swelling goes away.
Gradient vacuum therapy will help relieve swelling
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of varicose dermatitis directly depend on the stage that the patient has. The onset of the pathological process can be detected in the first stages of the disease. But it often happens that characteristic symptoms begin to appear when dermatitis has reached the later stages. Photos of varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities can be found on the Internet.
Note!
Varicose dermatitis can affect one or both limbs at once, manifesting itself on the legs, feet, or the area of the ankle joint.
The basic symptoms of varicose eczema are:
- Redness of the skin, areas of inflammation. The skin in this area is hot on palpation;
- Feelings of itching and continuous burning, heat in the area of the pathological process;
- Edema of soft tissues;
- The presence of characteristic bubbles with liquid contents.
The first stages of the manifestation of the disease are characterized by a slight manifestation of itching on the lower extremities, disturbing a person mainly before bedtime. The skin becomes red in appearance and acquires a shine characteristic of the disease. As the pathology develops, characteristic vesicles (bubbles) with liquid contents begin to appear. Swelling and pain may occur.
Main symptoms of varicose dermatitis
Trophic changes in the veins lead to the fact that itching and burning in a person’s legs become unbearable, characteristic scratching occurs, and a larger number of erosive blisters appear. It is very difficult to cure this type of pathology.
Important!
When scratching the blisters, an open wound surface is formed, which is an excellent breeding ground for the entry and further proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. A secondary infection may occur, complicating the treatment of varicose dermatitis.
During the process of degenerative changes, the skin becomes denser, acquiring a characteristic cyanotic tint, with areas of peeling, itching and scarring particles. The patient's gait begins to change, the person begins to limp characteristically, trying to reduce the pressure on the affected limb. The general condition also undergoes changes, characteristic attacks of febrile states, sleep disturbances, anxiety and irritability appear.
General recommendations for the treatment of venous dermatitis
In addition to drug treatment (the use of special ointments or creams), it is recommended that you adhere to the following recommendations:
- Try to get rid of excess weight, if any.
- Wear clothes that do not injure the skin and fit tightly to them.
- Choose shoes without high heels (maximum 4–5 cm).
- Lead an active lifestyle, climb more and just walk. When the calf muscles contract, blood is pushed upward. This helps improve blood circulation in the lower extremities.
- Add to your diet rich in fruits (black currants, buckwheat, apricots, cherries, rose hips and others; the full list can be found on the Internet).
- Get a new foot wash that doesn't contain alkali.
Whenever possible, try to keep your legs elevated.
Apricots are a rich food product
Causes
Changes in blood circulation in tissues cause thinning of the dermis and its dryness. As a result, inflammation appears in the shin area, ulcers and cracks form, and varicose (stagnant) dermatitis develops.
Associated factors are insufficiency of venous vessels. There is a disorder in the outflow of blood, metabolic processes are inhibited, and the veins become the most vulnerable. Blood leaks through their walls, gradually collecting in the soft tissues, causing swelling and slowing blood circulation. This results in improper nutrition of the valves, which causes inflammation.
Main causes of the disease:
- excess body weight;
- genetic predisposition;
- constant stress, nervousness;
- endocrine pathologies (diabetes mellitus);
- leg injury associated with vein damage;
- hormonal disorders;
- thrombosis of blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- infectious diseases;
- staying in one position for a long time;
- decreased local immunity;
- passive lifestyle;
- blood stasis.
Edema fluid is the main cause of inflammation of the skin, and dermatitis is formed from this process.
Such factors increase the development of varicose dermatitis. In women, high-heeled shoes, repeated pregnancies, and the use of tight underwear and stockings are common causes of the disease. In men, the disease is often provoked by diabetes mellitus and heart disease.
Drug treatment
When treating with medications, various gels, creams, ointments are used (for external local use and tablets (for internal use). All these drugs can be divided into groups:
Cotonic drugs
These drugs include Troxevasin, Venorutin, Venozol (ointments and gels), Detralex and Venaru (tablets)
Moisturizing creams
These creams contain various vitamins, panthenol and natural fats. We have already written about their action above.
Ointments that relieve inflammation
This group includes Voltaire and his analogues
Hormonal ointments
For external use, ointments containing hormonal drugs are used. This type of medication should be applied in a light layer to the affected areas of the skin. Representatives: Ftorokort, Advarta, etc.
Wound healing ointments
These ointments contain zinc, naphthalene and tar. They should be used for ulcers (Bipanten, Derzhavin, Socoseryl).
Other
But also in the treatment of varicose dermatitis, antihistamines (Suprastin) and tranquilizers (Levomekol) are used for severe pain.
Levomekol will relieve severe pain
Second stage
Treatment at this stage includes taking venotonics, as well as wearing compression garments. That is, everything is done in the same way as in the first stage, only the treatment of itching changes. Here hormonal ointments (Lokoid, Elokom) are used, which should be applied to the inflamed areas.
In eliminating the suppuration that venous dermatitis causes, ointments are the best helpers. For this purpose, you should use products that contain antiseptics (Pimafukort, Triderm, and so on).
How to treat venous dermatitis with folk remedies
For the treatment of varicose dermatitis, as for the treatment of other diseases, there are many folk methods and “grandmother’s recipes”. We will tell you about the most popular of them:
Chestnut fruit tincture
This remedy will help cope with swelling and inflammation in foot diseases.
How to prepare: take alcohol and mix it with crushed chestnut fruits in a ratio of 1:10. Let it brew in a dark place for a week, and then take ten drops before each meal.
Cabbage leaf treatment
Cabbage leaves are very effective in treating this dermatitis. Place them in the freezer, apply them to the affected area of the leg overnight and secure with a bandage. Leave until morning. This procedure must be repeated throughout the month.
Nutmeg
Make a tincture of nutmeg to treat venous dermatitis.
Preparation: mix vodka and chopped nutmeg in a ratio of 1:5. Place in a dark place for two weeks, shake the tincture from time to time.
Application: consume 20 drops before meals three times a day.
Garlic and honey tincture
Another effective grandmother’s remedy for treating varicose dermatitis.
Preparation: take honey (350 grams) and garlic (250 grams). Mix. It is important that honey should be fresh and liquid. Infuse for a week, and then take a teaspoon before meals three times a day for two months.
Honey and garlic - components of medicinal tincture
Treatment with meadow lumbago
This herb helps relieve inflammation and restore the tone of the venous bed, and also exhibits its bactericidal properties against ulcers.
Preparation: pour chopped and dried herb (1 teaspoon) into a thermos and pour boiling water (200 ml).
Application: can be used both internally and externally. Take a tablespoon of infusion four times a day before meals and apply compresses and lotions to sore legs.
Preventive measures
Measures to prevent venous dermatitis are as follows:
- proper nutrition;
- physical activity;
- choosing comfortable clothes and shoes;
- use of contrasting water procedures and massage.
If a person is forced to constantly sit or stand, fluid accumulates in the lower extremities and circulatory problems occur. Therefore, it is useful periodically:
- hike;
- take long walks in the fresh air;
- to live an active lifestyle.
Varicose dermatitis is a rather dangerous pathological condition that requires proper and timely treatment. If you start therapy at an early stage of the disease and subsequently adhere to preventive measures, the prognosis will be favorable. An advanced disease is fraught with dangerous consequences, including disability.
Occupational therapy (leech treatment)
This method has been used since ancient times, and it is used to treat a huge number of diseases. He, like no other, has proven himself well and is still very popular to this day. Leech saliva has healing and disinfecting properties.
In conclusion, I would like to note that treatment should be started prematurely. Dermatitis, like other skin diseases, cannot be cured in one day, but the longer you delay going to the doctor, the more neglected your disease will become. We recommend using traditional medicine in combination with traditional medications, and then you can quickly boast of the end result.
Don't forget about walking, healthy eating, comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Do morning exercises and do not refuse feasible loads. All this has a beneficial effect on the vascular system and on the treatment of varicose dermatitis.
Preventive measures
Measures to prevent venous dermatitis are as follows:
- proper nutrition;
- physical activity;
- choosing comfortable clothes and shoes;
- use of contrasting water procedures and massage.
If a person is forced to constantly sit or stand, fluid accumulates in the lower extremities and circulatory problems occur. Therefore, it is useful periodically:
- hike;
- take long walks in the fresh air;
- to live an active lifestyle.
Varicose dermatitis is a rather dangerous pathological condition that requires proper and timely treatment. If you start therapy at an early stage of the disease and subsequently adhere to preventive measures, the prognosis will be favorable. An advanced disease is fraught with dangerous consequences, including disability.
