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That’s not a rash, it’s vein disease (lichen simplex chronicus)

Vein disease is a chronic, progressive disease that is extremely prevalent in the United States. Chronic venous disease usually occurs in the legs and can cause bulging, enlarged veins, itching, swelling, skin thickening and pigment changes. If you are suffering from vein disease you may have spider veins, varicose veins, and/or tired, heavy and achy legs. If you have itchy, scaly skin that you just can’t find relief from, you may have a condition called Lichen Simplex Chronicus.

What in the world is Lichen Simplex Chronicus?

Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), is a skin condition that causes thickening of the skin and an intense itchy feeling where affected. LSC is not a primary condition, it is a reaction from trauma to the skin. This condition is made worse by uncontrollable itching and rubbing, creating a cycle. The more the patient scratches, the thicker the skin becomes. The thickening of the skin causes an itchy sensation. The only way to break the cycle is to seek treatment.

Skin changes are a common occurrence with vein disease, and this symptom can be particularly uncomfortable. When veins fail to function properly blood pools in the veins of the leg and begins to irritate the skin from the inside, out. The skin of the leg will become red and irritated and begin to thicken. This poor circulation in the legs can lead to LSC which is often misdiagnosed as other skin ailments.

Am I at risk?

Lichen simplex chronicus occurs in people of all ages and in both genders. Like veindisease, it more commonly occurs in middle-aged women. LSC appears as a leathery, swollen patch in the skin and tends to be red or a darker flesh tone. Symptoms are worsened by stress and frequent washing of the affected area. If you are at risk for developing vein disease, you have a higher chance of developing Lichen Simplex Chronicus as well. Risk factors include the following:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Older age
  • Lack of exercise
  • Weakened valves in veins (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)
  • Hormonal changes

What do I do now?

Treatment is necessary to eliminate symptoms. However, the first step to recovery is to stop itching. Scratching the already irritated skin continues the cycle. Cover up the patch or patches of LSC at night, because this tends to be when most of the itching occurs. Some ointments and moisturizers can temporarily relieve the itchy feeling, however many of these creams can further irritate the already inflamed skin. Reversing the flow of blood eases symptoms by emptying the pools of blood in the legs that irritate the skin. Elevate your legs whenever you are relaxing to aid the circulation. Treatment of the underlying issue is the only way to heal the skin’s irritation due to Lichen Simplex Chronicus. Treating and closing the diseased veins in the effected leg will reroute the blood to healthy veins and boost the circulation in your legs. This gives your skin the chance to heal itself. If left untreated, the progression of your skin irritation could later lead to a venous ulcer on your leg.

Alpha Vein Clinic has the treatment options that will eliminate your unwanted symptoms due to vein disease. Our physician, Dr. Sassan Kaveh, can examine your veins through a doppler ultrasound and diagnose the underlying issue that is beneath the irritated, swollen and thick skin. Dr. Kaveh is trained in the newest and most minimally invasive procedures and is highly experienced in treating LSC due to vein disease. You no longer have to stay up late at night itching your already irritated skin. Call Alpha Vein Clinic today at 702-430- 7661 and set up an appointment to see if the skin condition that has been plaguing you is in fact due to vein disease.

Alpha Vein Clinic

Vein Clinic Las Vegas

3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400

Las Vegas, NV, 89128

(702) 430 7661

Dr. Sassan Kaveh
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