[Varicose eczema: the etiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis. Part I]

Varicose eczema is a prevalent complication of chronic venous insufficiency. In view of the fact that the complicated forms of chronic venous insufficiency (classes 4-6 according to the clinical classification CEAP) are marked by the presence of dermatological changes, the reliable diagnosis of the given pathology is fairly pressing. The diagnosis of varicose eczema may be difficult for the phlebologist and, not infrequently, for the dermatologist because of the diversity of its manifestations. Besides, there is a number of diseases which resemble varicose eczema but require a different approach to their treatment. The Russian literature practically lacks the papers related to varicose eczema. The problems of the diagnosis and treatment including organizational questions have not been worked out. The surgeons regard this disease as dermatologic whereas the dermatologists consider it as surgical. As a result, the majority of patients do not receive adequate treatment. This paper covers the phlebologist's viewpoint of the problem of varicose eczema.