Venous Eczema & Venous Ulcers

venous Leg Ulcers & Eczema

Venous Eczema

Varicose veins usually develop gradually and often do not cause much in the way of symptoms, so can easily be ignored and lived with for many years.

However, sometimes the distribution of the varicose veins causes sustained pressure and poor drainage in the lower parts of the leg. This shows up as swelling of the lower leg and may be the first sign that the varicose veins are becoming a problem. Over time this can deteriorate, causing dryness initially, followed by itchiness and skin changes – Venous Eczema. If untreated at this stage, the skin may ulcerate.

Venous Eczema (itchiness) typically appears on the lower shin, or the inside of the leg above the ankle. Often the skin has also begun to discolour, looking dusky or reddish brown, and may have started to feel hard and “woody”.

Venous Ulcers

Not all leg ulcers are venous ulcers. Assessment is necessary to establish the cause of the ulcer. If the cause is thought to be venous, then treating the underlying vein problem usually results in the ulcer healing as expected.

What are Leg Ulcers that are Venous?

A venous ulcer is the end result of longstanding venous disease. Think of one as a “pressure sore”, except the pressure is on the inside. If the underlying venous cause is not recognized and treated, they can prove difficult to heal, typically taking weeks or months, and far longer than would normally be expected.

An initial assessment taking 30 minutes with Dr Elisabeth De Felice is your first step. Before proceeding to treatment, your varicose veins will need an ultrasound mapping scan, which takes 30 mins per leg. This information will determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Treatment Costs

Health Insurance usually covers most, if not all, the cost of surgery, pre-operative scans and consultations, but it pays to check with your particular company as to your eligibility. Stan will provide you with a written Estimate of costs at your consultation. We are Southern Cross Affiliated, which means that we deal directly with them on your behalf.

For more information, see our vein care frequently asked questions or varicose vein removal frequently asked questions page.

Make an appointment by filling in our online form, or contact us on 09 410 0990 or email .