Do you suffer from Skin Changes or Dermatitis?

 

Skin Changes/Dermatitis

 

 

For some people, varicose veins are little more than a cosmetic issue. For others, varicose veins cause a variety of troubling and often uncomfortable symptoms. Please contact us today by calling Alaska Vein Care at 907-334-3347 to discuss your symptoms. We’re here to help!

 

 

What are Skin Changes/Dermatitis?

 

By definition, the word “dermatitis” means skin inflammation. Many patients with vein disease show symptoms of skin changes or dermatitis that often go misdiagnosed as dermatological issues. At the Vein Care Center, we know that vein disease is a common cause of skin changes. The types of skin changes you may experience with vein disease include skin that appears red, brown, shiny or irritated. Patients may also develop hard-to-heal rashes.

 

 

Whether or not you have visible varicose veins, these types of skin changes should be evaluated by a physician. Dermatitis associated with venous conditions is often a sign of advanced disease. Patients with skin changes run a high risk of developing ulcers.

 

 

What Causes Skin Changes/Dermatitis?

 

When blood pools in the lower extremities, pressure builds inside your veins, causing fluid and red blood cells to leak into the surrounding tissue. The red blood cells become trapped under the skin’s surface and break down, releasing iron-rich hemoglobin. The iron “stains” the skin, which often becomes itchy, cracked, swollen, weepy or crusted.

 

 

What Are the Signs of Venous Stasis Dermatitis?

 

Symptoms of venous stasis dermatitis may appear in stages or suddenly. They include:

 

• Inflamed, irritated skin
• Redness, itching
• Dry, scaly, flaky skin
• Open wounds or sores
• Weeping fluid
• Scabbing or crusting
• Discoloration
• Feelings of heaviness, achiness or restlessness in the legs
• In early stages, thinning skin, particularly near the ankles
• In later stages, a leather-like appearance

 

 

What Is the Treatment for Skin Changes/Dermatitis?

 

Once your underlying vein disease is treated and circulation improves, oxygen-rich blood will begin the healing process and prevent further damage. Please see our Vein Treatments page to read more about the vein treatment options available at the Vein Care Center.

 

 

While it’s unlikely that skin will return to its normal state, treating your vein disease will stop further skin changes from occurring.

 

Call us at (907) 334-3347 to schedule a 10-minute complementary screening.

 

 

 

Most patients will require two or three treatments to get satisfactory results. Unlike hypertonic saline (which most modern vein specialists do NOT use), today's sclerosants do not cause severe pain or stinging, and have a very low incidence of side effects. Insurance companies generally do not cover the cost of spider vein treatment, so be sure to discuss payment options with Alaska Vein Care's billing staff.