Skin Rash from Varicose Veins: How to Treat and Reduce Itchiness

That itchy skin rash on your legs could be a sign you have varicose veins.

Veins are responsible for sending the blood from your legs back to your heart. A lot of times, this is an uphill climb. To compensate for the effects of gravity, veins use tiny valves to keep the blood flowing in the right direction. When these valves become damaged, blood flow through the veins can be inhibited. One result of this damage can be varicose veins.

Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged or twisted. Age, sex, weight, family history, pregnancy, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are a few of the risk factors for developing varicose veins.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

While varicose veins may have a rather alarming and grotesque appearance, they do not cause problems for most people. However, some people experience pain, swelling, restless legs, cramps, and other unpleasant sensations as a result of varicose veins. Itchy skin or a skin rash on the legs is another symptom of varicose veins. Vein doctors refer to these types of itchy varicose vein-related skin rashes as stasis dermatitis or varicose eczema.

How Do Varicose Veins Cause Skin Rashes?

Varicose veins aren't always visible through the skin. You may have varicose veins and not even know it. If you start to develop dry, discolored, inflamed, or itchy skin on your legs, this could be a sign you have varicose veins. 

Skin rashes like varicose eczema occur when the damage to the vein allows fluid to leak into the surrounding skin tissue, blocking oxygen from getting to the skin. As the skin is gradually deprived of oxygen, it becomes dry and itchy, taking on a discolored and scaly appearance.

In addition to varicose veins, these types of rashes can also result from DVT blood clots, leg ulcers, an injury, or deep-layer skin infections like cellulitis.

Treating Varicose Vein-Related Skin Rashes

Dealing with varicose vein-related skin rashes can be frustrating, but there are specific strategies to address this particular issue. Here is what can provide you relief:

• Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle adjustments can play a pivotal role in managing varicose vein-related skin rashes. For instance, shedding excess pounds can reduce the pressure on your veins, alleviating skin rashes. You should also avoid extended periods of sitting or standing. Make it a habit to take short walks or perform leg exercises throughout the day to enhance blood circulation.

• Emollients: To prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry and exacerbating the rash, consider using emollients or moisturizers. These can help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and reduce itching and irritation.

• Antihistamines: When itching becomes a persistent issue, antihistamines can be a valuable tool. These medications can provide relief by reducing the itchiness associated with varicose vein-related skin rashes. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance on suitable antihistamines.

• Topical Corticosteroids: Medicated ointments or creams containing topical corticosteroids can be highly effective in treating varicose vein-related rashes. These anti-inflammatory agents help reduce redness, swelling, and itching, providing relief from the discomfort associated with the rash. Ensure you follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for application and dosage.

Treating Your Itchy Varicose Veins

A vein doctor will be able to diagnose the severity of your varicose veins and how they could impact your health. If varicose veins are determined to be the cause of your itchy skin and skin rash, the doctor will be able to provide many different treatments.

For minor cases, a vein doctor may recommend the same lifestyle changes that your doctor or dermatologist recommended. He may also suggest that you begin wearing compression stockings (as a part of the conservative vein treatment), which are knee socks specially designed to improve circulation in the legs.

In more serious instances, sclerotherapy or laser treatment may be needed to seal off the veins. Surgical procedures, such as endoscopic vein surgery, are used in situations where a section of the affected vein is removed.

Varicose Vein Treatments

If you’re suffering from itchy varicose veins, give the BASS Vein Center a call. We provide patients with the latest and most effective varicose vein treatments available.