Varicose eczema, also known as venous, statis or gravitational eczema, is an uncomfortable and persistent condition that can be frustratingly difficult to get rid off.

We’ve got some tips for managing the symptoms of varicose eczema in this article, but prevention being better than cure, what can you do to stop it getting hold in the first place?

The first and most obvious thing is to look after your overall health.

You can try:

• Losing weight
• Keep moving! Try not to stand or sit still for too long at a time, and if you can, get out for at least one walk a day.
• If walking is difficult, then ask your doctor or healthcare professional for some physiotherapy, or exercises you can do to keep blood moving.
• Get some support: wear compression bandages or compression socks during the day.

You also need to look after your skin, particularly the skin on your lower legs, so that it stays in the healthiest and most resilient condition possible.

To do that, follow our usual guidelines for skin health:

• Use gentle, unscented, hypoallergenic toiletries
• Avoid SLS-based washes; find soap and sulphate-free versions instead
• Moisturise with a natural balm like Skin Salvation everyday
• Moisturise with a cream, oil or balm immediately after bathing
• Nourish your skin from the inside: eat well and make sure you get your vitamins & EFAs!
• Lower your stress levels

For more information about how to manage varicose or venous eczema, check out our article What’s The Best Cream For Varicose Eczema?

Recommended products: Balmonds Skin Salvation balm for really sore or open patches of eczema; Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream for maintaining dry skin in soft, hydrated condition; for those that prefer it, Balmonds Cooling Cream is a lighter lotion than our Daily Moisturising Cream, and contains menthol, aloe vera and lavender to soothe hot, scaly, itchy but unbroken skin.