5 Things You Need to Know About Stasis Dermatitis

1. Taking a Look at a Lower Leg Condition

Stasis dermatitis is a skin condition affecting the lower legs in which fluid begins to build underneath the skin causing large sores, or venous stasis ulcers. This painful skin condition can cause a variety of other problems as well, such as bacterial infections of the skin, permanent scarring, chronic or difficult-to-heal leg ulcers or even bone infection below the ulcers. While often a chronic condition, stasis dermatitis can often be minimized when the condition that triggers the excess swelling can be managed.

2. Blame Poor Circulation

The causes of stasis dermatitis are other medical conditions which cause poor circulation, such as congestive heart failure, varicose veins or obesity. As the fluids of the body build up in the legs, it causes severe edema and soon there is so much extra fluid that the blood cannot feed the cells or eliminate waste products. As a result, the tissue becomes fragile and malnourished and ulcers begin to form. Often the skin in affected areas becomes dark and thick, and ulcers may open that are extremely difficult to heal due to lack of proper nourishment from the blood.

3. Signs and Symptoms of Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis begins with swelling in the lower legs, particularly the ankles. Many patients describe a deep ache in the legs as well. Over time, the skin begins to appear thin and may become thick and dark. Often the skin becomes dry as well, causing itching, flaking and irritation. At this point many patients attempt to treat the condition with topical creams, which only exacerbates the problem. Eventually spots will begin to appear that, without treatment, can become ulcers.

4. Take a Load Off

The first stage of treatment of stasis dermatitis is getting the underlying condition under control. Depending on the condition, treatment may include surgery to correct varicose veins, heart medications or diuretics which help to remove excess fluid. In addition to treating the underlying condition, circulation to the legs must be improved to reduce swelling. Gentle walking, compressive stockings and elevating the feet as often as possible can all help to get things moving. Finally, all skin ulcers must be treated. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointments and medicated compresses.

5. Prevention is the Best Medicine

If you have a medical condition which restricts circulation to the legs, it is important that you take precautions to prevent stasis dermatitis before it gets so bad that ulcers begin to form. If you sit or stand for long periods of time, try to take a break every hour or so to walk around and get your blood moving. Calf exercises which get the muscles working help to send blood back towards the heart. Gentle massage beginning at the feet and moving up towards the heart, elevating the legs and wearing compressive stockings can all help as well.