Varicose dermatitis is a specific disease in which the skin over the veins becomes inflamed. At the same time, their function is reduced or completely lost.
Description of the disease
First, there are problems with the veins, their wall gradually becomes thinner, and the liquid component of the blood enters the integumentary tissue. This provokes the appearance of varicose dermatitis. As a result, inflammation occurs, in which the appearance of the skin changes, it begins to peel off and itch.
This disease is mainly a chronic form, after which the skin of the lower extremities must be constantly paid close attention. If this is not done, trophic ulcers may occur in the future, the treatment of which is difficult and time-consuming.
Until such complications manifest themselves, surgery may be required.
Basiccauses of disease
Let's figure out why varicose dermatitis occurs.
This disease appears most often due to the following problems with the veins:
- varicose veins;
- venous thrombosis of vessels of the deep or superficial system. In this case, there may be signs of an inflammatory process (thrombophlebitis), or they may not be.
In the lower extremities, blood most often stagnates due to the action of gravity, which is why there are prerequisites for a kind of blood depot in the veins. But venous vessels have certain features. This is necessary to return blood to the general circulation. The wall of the veins has a strong muscular layer, as well as valves in the direction of blood flow. Valve flaps only work in one direction. The walls of the veins contract and, together with the valves, direct the blood back, forcing them to overcome gravity.
The muscles of the lower leg and the presence of negative pressure in the chest also contribute to this, as a result, the blood in the vessels rushes up.
Excess weight, prolonged standing, injuries to the lower extremities, diseases of the kidneys and the cardiovascular system significantly increase the load on the veins. It is more and more difficult for them to overcome the force of gravity, therefore, dystrophy of the muscular wall occurs.
But it's not varicose dermatitis yet.
What other factors provoke the disease?
Thinning contributes to the fact that a small amount of muscle fibers inside is genetically programmed. Also, with diabetes in smokers and drinkers, dystrophy of the muscular wall of the veins occurs faster.
The upper limbs are not subjected to this pathological process, varicose veins and dermatitis do not occur in them. Of course, the appearance of thrombosis is not excluded, but it happens due to medical manipulations in this area, as well as when pathology develops in the mammary glands in women. But there will definitely not be varicose dermatitis of the upper extremities.
Due to the thinning of the venous wall, it is problematic for blood to return to the heart, so it begins to stagnate. It becomes viscous, which leads to thrombosis. If a woman takes combined oral contraceptives, the risk of thrombosis increases. In addition, frequent pregnancies and abortions lead to this.
Despite the viscosity of blood, the body has the task of returning it to the general circulation. The permeability of the venous wall increases, which leads to the release of its liquid lobe under the skin. This creates swelling in the legs. With a large accumulation of edematous fluid, inflammation occurs and, consequently, varicose dermatitis in the lower extremities.
The likelihood of developing the disease is the same for everyone (both men and women), only children are not susceptible to it, even with existing varicose veins.
Signs of varicose dermatitis
Many people are interested to know how varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities manifests itself. The photo is presented in this article.
Dilation of veins and thrombosis have several stages. In this regard, the signs of varicose dermatitis will vary. The initial stage of venous lesion is characterized by:
- periodic itching in the lower extremities;
- redness on the legs - in the lower leg and ankles, and the foot and thigh are not subject to redness;
- in places of redness with the appearance of dense skin, less warm to the touch;
- appearance of small bubbles on this dense skin with transparent content. After a while, they disappear on their own.
Varicose dermatitis is developing in the meantime.
As the process continues, the skin itches more and more often. It becomes dark red in color with a pronounced density. Small nodules are also palpable under it. At the same time, the number of bubbles increases, but as they disappear, crusts and peeling form.
If varicose dermatitis is left untreated, symptoms will increase.
Additional symptoms
Slowly, the color of the skin changes to dark purple. It is rough to the touch and shiny. This leads to the appearance of trophic ulcers. These defects have a rounded and irregular shape, small or medium size, "undermined" edges. In fact, it is an open wound, which, if not treated appropriately, quickly begins to fester. Purulent discharge is yellow, greenish or yellow-white.
Itching in the lower leg becomes unbearable. The person gets irritated more and more often, ceases to sleep normally. Therapy at this stage of the disease should be complex, takes a long period of time. But it is unacceptable to engage in self-treatment, a consultation with a surgeon is required. Otherwisethe situation may worsen. After healing of trophic ulcers, scars form.
This is how varicose dermatitis manifests itself. Treatment is discussed below.
Therapy Methods
It involves activities aimed at:
- Improve venous outflow from the legs.
- Elimination of edema.
- Relieve inflammation.
- Moisturize affected skin so it doesn't crack.
- Prevention of suppuration.
All this is included in systemic therapy with the use of tablets, injections, ointments. But the treatment will depend entirely on the stage of varicose dermatitis.
Therapy at the first stage
Preparations containing diosmin (Detralex, Venorus, Phlebodia) improve venous outflow. Capsules increase the tone of the muscles of the veins. With the help of compression underwear, venous congestion is eliminated. On sale there are a large number of stockings, tights to replace the function of weakened venous walls. An angiosurgeon or a phlebologist is engaged in the selection. But before that, dopplerography of the vessels of the legs should be carried out.
Compression clothing contributes to the treatment of varicose dermatitis, as well as the elimination of varicose veins in general. Blood clots form less often, the legs do not swell so much, there is practically no fatigue in the legs, and it is typical for the diagnosis of "varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities".
What helps with itching? The use of the following antihistamines in these cases is shown:
- Cetrina.
- Eriusa.
- Zodaka.
- "Diazolin".
and ointments:
- Fenistila.
- Psilo Balsam.
A rather unpleasant disease - varicose dermatitis. Treatment with ointments is not limited. What else is used in therapy?
Cracking of tight skin is prevented by the use of special moisturizers:
- pH neutral baby cream;
- Seni Care gel;
- Seni Care cream with arginine,
If there are bubbles, they are treated with a zinc solution or baby powder. Any sunscreen that contains zinc will also work.
Venotoniki and antihistamines relieve inflammation, itching, swelling. Complications from infection during combing can be avoided thanks to them. At this stage, the treatment of the first stage of the disease can be stopped. With a disease such as varicose dermatitis, folk remedies can also help.
Therapy in the second stage
Venotonic preparations and compression underwear are also used here. But itching of the extremities is treated in a slightly different way. Systemic antihistamines may not be enough. Hormonal ointments are prescribed, which are applied to inflamed areas of the skin.
Effective course application:
- Elokoma.
- Lokoida.
- Sinaflana.
With suppuration, the use of combined ointments in the composition with an antiseptic and hormones (Pimafukorta, Triderma) is indicated. Light sedativesdrugs or daytime tranquilizers will help soothe itching and the nervous system, relieve insomnia. These include:
- Valerian.
- Motherwort tincture.
- Sedasen.
- "Adaptol".
How is the disease treated in the third stage?
We looked at how varicose dermatitis (the photo was also presented) of the second stage is treated. What to do if the disease worsens?
With trophic ulcers, surgery is indicated, in which pathologically altered veins are removed. But if the ulcer has recently arisen or only festered, the operation is not performed. First, acute inflammation is removed. The preparatory stage for the operation consists of the following steps:
- Assignment of bed rest with an elevated limb. This will ensure blood and lymph flow.
- Washing the ulcer, removing particles of dead tissue.
- Intravenous or intramuscular administration of drugs that improve the patency of the vessels of the extremities.
- Compressing the legs with elastic bandages.
- Control blood glucose and lower it if necessary.
- Using antihistamine injections.
Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine offers many prescriptions for varicose dermatitis. They can be used in combination with drug treatment.
Honey and garlic
To prepare the tincture, garlic should be crushed, then poured with honey. Keep in a dark place forweeks. Use the finished mixture three times a day, 1 teaspoon for two months. Honey 350 g, garlic 250 g.
Cabbage leaves
Two weeks in a row, a cabbage leaf is tied to a sore leg. To soften the sheet, it is beaten off, fixed on the leg with a bandage. Then, after a few days, the bandage is replaced with a new one.
Aloe compresses
Aloe compresses are used to relieve inflammation and moisturize the skin. An infusion of these leaves on water is suitable, or you can simply apply them to your legs in a cut form.
Feet care tips
You need to carefully care for your feet with varicose dermatitis. They are washed with water and diluted soap daily. Wipe your feet with soft soaking movements, after which a moisturizer or gel is applied, as well as a hormonal ointment. It depends on what stage the disease is.
Eat foods containing rutin. This vitamin is useful for vein tone. It contains buckwheat, Bulgarian pepper, mountain ash.
You need to carefully fight excess weight, as this is a load on dilated and thrombosed veins. It is also necessary to visit an endocrinologist to rule out diabetes mellitus and other pathologies that lead to obesity.
It is unlikely that a venous problem will be completely eliminated, and this will provoke a new inflammation under the skin. The affected skin should not be injured. Clothing made from natural fabrics that do not squeeze the limbs is suitable for these purposes. Women are better off wearing skirts and dresses. Shoes must becomfortable.
Prevention
As a prevention of varicose dermatitis, gymnastics, walking in comfortable sports shoes and a diet without flour, fat and sweet are used.
We examined varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities. Treatment and prevention have been described in detail.
