A 38-year-old woman presents with chronic, intensely pruritic eczema of the lower legs with hyperpigmentation, haemosiderin deposition, and lipodermatosclerosis. She has bilateral varicose veins for 10 years. Which term BEST describes this clinical entity?
- A Nummular eczema
- B Asteatotic eczema
- C Gravitational (venous/stasis) eczema ✓
- D Discoid lupus erythematosus
Correct answer: C. Gravitational (venous/stasis) eczema
Explanation
Gravitational (venous/stasis) eczema occurs secondary to chronic venous hypertension and insufficiency, typically affecting the lower legs and medial malleolar area. Key features include pruritic eczematous patches, haemosiderin-induced brownish discolouration, lipodermatosclerosis (woody induration from fat necrosis and fibrosis), and atrophie blanche (white stellate scars). Varicose veins are the most common predisposing cause. Nummular eczema presents as coin-shaped plaques, and asteatotic eczema (eczema craquele) occurs on dry, elderly skin.
Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.