Lower leg eczema mainly affects women over 60 years of age. With age the skin becomes thinner and more easily damaged which can lead to small cracks in the skin barrier or even leg ulcers. Reduced blood circulation from the heart to the legs can make the legs to swell and varicose veins can occur which can result in lower leg eczema.
The eczema area is characterized by easily peeled areas that have a reddish-brown color. With lower leg eczema itching is common. After the inflammatory process has stopped, it is common that a brown discolored areas of the legs remain. These pigmentation changes arise when red blood cells have leaked from the blood vessels.
Site updated 2016-01-15