Eczema on the legs may be treated differently depending on which part of the leg is affected.
Eczemais a group of inflammatory skin disorders that cause dry, inflamed, and intensely itchy skin.
Also called atopic dermatitis, there are several types of eczema.
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The symptoms associated with eczema can develop on various body areas, including the legs.
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Treatments for Leg Eczema
There are manytreatment options available for leg eczema.
The best treatment for you may depend on your specific diagnosis and the location of your eczema flare-up.
Flare-ups are periods when the symptoms are worse, so take extra care of your skin during those episodes.
Caring for your skin on a regular basis may help to reduce the use of prescription medications.
Scratching can lead to further inflammation and an increased need to scratch, called theitch-scratch cycle.
The basic skincare recommended for generalized atopic dermatitis is a good starting point when managing lower leg eczema.
However, the level of compression varies from product to product.
Your healthcare may prescribe a specific grade of compression gear for your specific condition.
Keep in mind, however, that compression socks or stockings don’t work for everyone.
In managing your eczema, always keep an eye out for signs of infection.
They may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent or manage a skin infection.
Causes and Risk Factors
Thecause of eczemaisn’t well understood.
When that happens, blood can flow backward into the veins and cause pressure to build up.
This pressure can lead to blood leaking into the tissues surrounding the veins.
The swelling and inflammation that results can lead to varicose eczema.
Who Is Most Likely to Get Varicose Eczema?
Compression socks are the most common treatment for ulcerations, providing resolution about 70% of the time.
However, in some cases, the ulcers do not resolve and may require surgery.
Eczema Prevention
You cant prevent eczema from developing, but you cantake steps to avoid flare-ups.
The time between flare-ups will vary widely from person to person.
The length of a flare-up will depend on the punch in of eczema a person has and the severity.
In some cases, it will last only one to three weeks.
In people with proper treatment plans, symptom-free periods can last for years.
Though food-induced flare-ups may differ from person to person.
Common trigger foods include:
What Can Trigger a Flare-Up?
Symptoms can worsen if you dont manage them effectively.
Your healthcare provider will examine your legs and provide treatment options to help quell symptoms.
Can Varicose Eczema Clear Up by Itself?
Varicose eczema requires treatment.
Because of the underlying condition causing it, treatment will ensure proper blood flow.
That will lessen the risk of leg ulcers.
Summary
Eczema can lead to intenseitchiness, dryness, flaky skin, or swelling.
Though the cause of eczema isn’t well understood, genetics and environment play a role.
Varicose eczema may require more extensive treatment to remedy a person’s issues with blood circulation.
If you notice any symptoms of leg eczema, you should contact your medical provider for an appointment.
A proper diagnosis will lead toappropriate disease managementand fewer uncomfortable flare-ups.
National Eczema Society.Varicose Eczema.
In: The Cochrane Collaboration, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd; 2016:CD012119.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012119
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Home remedies: What can relieve itchy eczema?
UK National Health Service.Varicose eczema.
National Eczema Association.6 Tips to Manage Eczema in the Winter
National Eczema Society.Clothing and Eczema.
National Eczema Association.Does the Amount of Water You Drink Affect Your Eczema?
