Varicose eczema

Varicose eczema is also known as stasis dermatitis and describes dermatitis affecting the lower legs as a result of impaired venous circulation (chronic venous insufficiency). Chronic venous insufficiency is where venous blood fails to return efficiently to the heart. The resultant rise in capillary pressure produces changes such as stasis dermatitis, oedema, haemosiderin deposition, fibrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (lipodermatosclerosis) and ulcer formation. Chronic venous insufficiency results from primary varicose veins or following deep vein thrombosis. As the likelihood of developing varicose veins is familial, the tendency to develop varicose eczema can also be familial.