Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on Varicose eczema and skin tags

I recently I noticed some red / purple patches around my ankles; the skin feels dry and is itchy. 

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).