Although varicose eczema is a skin condition, it is inextricably linked with a problem with your veins. If you’re flying: proceed with caution!
Varicose eczema is a condition which is caused by the tiny valves in your veins not working properly. The blood that isn’t shunted uphill and round your body settles in your lower legs, and ends up causing inflammation and swelling which affects the skin. These cause distinctive bluey/purple bulging veins as well as a variety of eczema specific to this condition.
If you have varicose eczema, by definition you will also have varicose veins. And varicose veins do need careful attention if you’re flying.
Current medical advice from professionals is to limit your flying time as much as possible.
The longer you’re sitting down, the more the problem is aggravated, and the greater the risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis so choose short flights and move your feet and toes while in the air. You can also wear compression stockings during the flight.
You might also want to make sure your varicose eczema is looked after during the flight; decant your emollient ointment into a small enough pot and moisturise your legs and ankles while on board. The atmosphere on board can dehydrate your skin, so it’s important to make sure your legs are well moisturised to prevent the problem getting worse!
Do consult your doctor about flying if you have to be on a plane and are worried about your varicose veins!
For more information about the condition and how to manage it, see our article What’s the Best Cream For Varicose Eczema?
Recommended products for those prone to varicose eczema:
Balmonds Skin Salvation with hemp and beeswax (from £7.99 for 30ml): a rich, hydrating balm for really sore or open patches of eczema.
Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream with shea butter & hemp (from £13.99 for 100ml): a gentle unfragranced cream for maintaining dry skin in soft, hydrated condition.
Balmonds Cooling Cream with menthol, aloe vera and lavender (£19 for 100ml): a lighter lotion than our Daily Moisturising Cream, with soothing botanicals to calm down hot, scaly, itchy but unbroken skin.
