Abstract

Eczema and itching are common in the elderly, impacting quality of life. Dry skin and dermatitis due to irritants, allergy and other inflammatory skin diseases are known causes, however non-dermal etiology should also be kept in mind. Chronic venous insufficiency seen in the elderly, can be a cause of skin inflammation, severe itching, and ulceration. Such cases of eczema may not respond satisfactorily to conventional treatment. Underlying venous insufficiency should be evaluated and managed, especially in lower limb eczema and pruritis in the elderly.