What is dangerous varicose dermatitis and how to cure it

Varicose dermatitis( Latin dermatitis varicose) is a chronic inflammation of the skin caused by insufficient venous circulation.

The disease is characterized by oozing reddish or scaly areas, repeated minor bleeding, and then - atrophy or, conversely, skin hypertrophy, warty growths.

Against the background of what is the development of the disease

Varicose dermatitis affects almost a third of adultspeople of working age. Moreover, this diagnosis is often the same for both men and women.

In the picture, varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities

The main cause of the disease is the violation of blood circulation and nourishment of the skin of the legs. In connection with the violation of the order of blood flow and insufficiency of the valves, the skin receives inadequate nutrition, becomes thin and dry. Most often, varicose dermatitis occurs in people suffering from inflammation of varicose veins.

The situation is exacerbated by overweight, low activity, poor eating habits and wearing high heels.

If the limb is affected by chronic venous insufficiency, the skin on it is damaged with all the ensuing consequences, including, with a violation of the protective barrier.

This creates all conditions for the possibility of developing varicose dermatitis. Another very important incentive for the formation of the disease are leg wounds, limb ulcers associated with severe chronic venous insufficiency.

Also, medications used for topical therapy can lead to increased sensitivity of the skin.

Symptoms and clinical picture

Varicose dermatitis has the characteristic symptoms:

1. The main symptom is itching , worsening at night and inflammation of the affected area. There is redness of the skin and slight swelling. After a while, the skin's moisture begins to appear and a brownish hue is acquired.
2. In some affected areas sores may appear. At this time, the patient may have loss of appetite, irritability, weakness.
3. Over time, the formation of trophic ulcers occurs on the pigmented skin .

Symptomatic of the disease depends on severity:

1. In the 1st stage of , diseases on the skin of the limbs, often around varicose veins, cause small petechiae and fused areas of dermatitis with slight ecdysis. The subjective symptom is itching.
2. The 2nd stage of is characterized by the formation of brownish hyperpigmentation due to hemoglobin conversion( in the case of melanin impurity due to stimulation of melanocytes by hemosiderin or in chronic inflammatory changes, the color is brownish-black).The epidermis is atrophic, in particular, the area above the ankles. Due to the use of various ointments, initially, non-allergic dermatitis, develop into an allergic contact eczema. Similarly, the presence of bacterial antigens( scarring, trophic ulcers) can lead to the formation of microbial eczema.

Diagnosis of

Currently, there are no specific diagnostic methods, as well as common signs or symptoms that can be used to detect this disease. The diagnosis is based on anamnesis and physical examination.

Each patient has a unique set of symptoms and severity of the disease, in addition, signs can change over time.

A medical examination is required to establish the diagnosis. Sometimes there is a need for additional laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis, and a comparative analysis of symptoms.

In case of symptoms of an allergic reaction, a skin allergy test is performed that can determine the means of daily use that allergens can be.

Treatment methods

Treatment of varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities is aimed at improving blood circulation, moisturizing and softening the skin surface and removing inflammation and swelling.

The most popular therapies:

• skin hydration;
• application of steroid ointments for removing edema;
• use of compression stockings;
• surgical treatment;
• gradient vacuum therapy.

Moisturizing the skin

It is necessary to prevent drying out of the skin and the appearance of ulcers. It is carried out by applying to the affected areas special creams available in the pharmacy. But remember that the use of certain creams and ointments requires a preliminary consultation with a doctor in order to prevent the occurrence of allergies.

Special moisturizers reduce the outflow of water from the skin and prevent the penetration of the infection by forming a protective film on its surface.

Steroid ointments

Treatment of varicose dermatitis with steroid ointments, as a rule, have a good effect. However, do not use these drugs without consulting a specialist in order to prevent allergic reactions.

Compression clothing

Special clothing designed to maintain optimal blood circulation. Therapeutic underwear should be worn throughout the day, should only be taken off during bathing.

During rest, it is better to keep your legs slightly elevated.

This prevents the accumulation of fluid and, consequently, the occurrence of edemas.

In addition, in the absence of sore wounds, the doctor may recommend a special bandage moistened with zinc oxide.

Surgical method

This method is used in the most severe forms of dermatitis, when other drugs do not help. Before its application, the main problem and general condition of the venous system is determined by ultrasound.

Gradient Vacuum Therapy

This method is designed to help improve blood circulation, move lymph and reduce swelling.

Traditional methods of treatment

As alternative methods, the most popular and showing the maximum effect in the treatment of varicose dermatitis are herbal preparations and the treatment with leeches.

The second method has antithrombotic, analgesic effect, and is used at all stages of the disease. In addition, you can make compresses from the leaves of cabbage, which are applied to the affected area for the whole night.

Hirudotherapy

This method of alternative treatment has been known since ancient times. Varicose dermatitis and other skin lesions that lead to the formation of cracks and ulcers, are treated on the basis of the special properties of saliva leech.

It has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, has a mild analgesic effect.

Hirudotherapy supports lymphatic and venous drainage.

Grandmother's recipes

Treatment of varicose dermatitis with folk remedies is possible using the following recipes:

• tincture of chestnut fruit ( which are known for their anti-inflammatory effect) and nutmeg( helps to alleviate vein thrombosis and relieve redness of the skin);
• according to folk medicine, a good tool for relieving inflammation and itching is the cabbage leaf , which at night under the garter is applied to the affected skin areas;
• for the same purpose it is recommended to use powder from spores of the clown-shaped .

For the prevention of

As already mentioned, varicose dermatitis occurs due to blood stagnation, which is why the prevention of varicose dermatitis is as follows:

1. Any physical activity of , for example, walking on a regular basis. Many hours of sitting or standing causes to accumulate fluid in the legs, and movement helps prevent this problem.
2. Good nutrition and weight control .It is necessary to limit the consumption of fats, flour products, giving priority to vegetables, fruits, legumes and lean meats.
3. Wearing comfortable shoes .Despite the fact that the heel-studs seem beautiful to many, but it should be remembered that they exert a heavy load on the legs, which, in turn, leads to a violation of the venous leg system.
4. Contrast shower for the feet .
5. Regular massage .
6. Wearing comfortable clothes and underwear .Often, blood circulation disorders occur as a result of wearing too tight clothes, especially socks.

Possible complications of

In this case, it is not a complication of the disease itself, but complications arising in the case of uncontrolled self-medication.

In the picture trophic ulcers ulcer as a complication of varicose dermatitis

Doctors are not unambiguous in their opinion regarding the treatment of venous dermatitis by unconventional methods, they do not object categorically against it, but be careful - all these processes should only become the basis for further or maintenance therapy.

Often the consequences of self-treatment lead to permanent disability. All methods of treatment in this case, as with any other diagnosis, should recommend an expert. Without fail, before using folk remedies, consult a dermatologist!

Modern medicine does not rule out the advisability of using, within the treatment of venous dermatitis, methods and recipes tested for many centuries. But, comparing the average life expectancy of a modern person and an ancestor who lived 100 years ago, it is hardly possible to deny its achievements.