Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on Varicose eczema and skin tags
There is a history of varicose veins in my mother’s family and my grandmother had varicose eczema. I am a woman in my 40s. What should I do?
Varicose eczema is an area of dermatitis (skin inflammation) following poor blood supply on the skin related to varicose veins. It also occurs on the lower leg following infection of the vein (phlebitis).
Varicose veins are caused by increased pressure in the veins under the skin in the legs. This pressure makes it difficult for the blood to flow up through the veins.
In the legs, the blood in the veins flows backwards which causes the swollen and enlarged veins.
As the pressure inside the veins increases it can damage the skin and cause varicose eczema. As you have noticed the skin colour can change and the texture dry, shiny and itchy.
The area is usually brown due to pigmentation caused by leakage of red blood cells.
The most common sites are the inner sides of both lower legs and around the ankles.
I would advise you to make an appointment to visit your GP who can examine your legs and make a diagnosis.
If the diagnosis is varicose eczema the treatment will involve treating both any blood flow problems as well as the skin damage. Whilst waiting for your appointment here are some general suggestions for you:
* Try to avoid any damage to the skin by knocking against furniture or other objects.
* When you are sitting down raise your legs by either using a foot stool or lying on a sofa with a cushion under your feet.
* Try to avoid standing for long periods of time and walk or exercise regularly.
It is important to keep the skin well moisturised so it does not dry out — the cream should be unscented. There are emollients on the market and your pharmacist will be able to advise you. Avoid long term usage of steroid cream.
As family history is important you need to tell your GP about the history of varicose veins and varicose eczema. I am sure that your GP will be able to advise you as to the most appropriate management.
It is possible that these lumps on your neck are skin tags (acrochordons). Skin tags are small flesh or brown coloured growths that hang off the skin by a stalk. They are very common and occur in almost half the adult population, equally in men and women.
The incidence of skin tags does increase with age. They are harmless and are usually just a few millimetres in size although some can grow much bigger, as big as 5cm.
They tend to grow in skin folds and creases or areas where clothes rub against the skin or catch on clothing, such as around the neck, breasts, armpits, or groin.
Skin tags are not usually painful and they do not require any treatment; some will fall off by themselves. However, as you have found, they can cause discomfort and even bleed if they catch on clothing or jewellery particularly if they are larger than usual.
They can be removed easily by your GP either cutting with fine sterile scissors or cutting off the blood supply by tying a fine piece of cotton around the stalk or cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen).
Large skin tags are usually removed by either shaving or cautery and I would advise you to make an appointment with your GP, who can examine these lumps and you can explain that they are catching in your clothes and causing some discomfort in addition to bleeding.
Your GP may be able to remove the skins tags or refer you to a dermatologist if appropriate.
