Stasis Dermatitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Stasis dermatitis is a condition that affects the skin on your lower legs. Stasis dermatitis happens when certain medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, blood clots, and obesity, cause your blood not to move as it should. Stasis dermatitis may change the look and feel of your skin. Your skin may look red or bluish, or you may get brownish, itchy spots. Your skin may become rough, thick, and scaly. Your ankles and lower legs may swell and feel painful. Stasis dermatitis may cause you to get leg sores. It may be difficult for you to move around.
  
  
• Caregivers will do a physical exam and ask you about your signs and symptoms. You may need blood or other tests to look for other medical conditions. Treatment may include rest, elevation of the legs, lotions, steroid creams, pressure stockings, and antibiotics. Treatment can help you manage your symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and itching. Treatment can help your skin to look better and help you to move around better. It may even keep stasis dermatitis from coming back.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Do not scratch your legs:

Your symptoms may get worse if you scratch your sores. Scratching can also break open your skin and cause sores or lead to long-term damage.

Rest and elevate your legs:

To decrease swelling, caregivers may have you elevate your legs above your heart. The easiest way to do this is to prop your legs on pillows while you are lying down. It is best to do this several times a day for 30 minutes each time. You may want to sleep with your legs propped on a pillow.

Wear your pressure stockings:

Pressure stockings are tight elastic stockings that help to keep blood from collecting in the legs and causing clots. Pressure stockings may also help prevent stasis dermatitis in the future.

Follow your physical therapy instructions:

Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.

Care for your wounds and dressings:

If you have open leg sores, your caregiver may have you apply wet dressings to them. Dressings are bandages that help your leg sores heal. Change your dressings as often as your caregiver says you should.

Maintain a healthy weight:

By maintaining a healthy weight, you may help your blood flow more freely. If you are obese, talk with your caregiver about ways to manage your weight.

Eat a healthy diet:

Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole-grain bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Eat legumes (dry beans). and dark green and orange vegetables. Include dairy products, such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Choose lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day and if you need to be on a special diet.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have new or worse open sores.
  
  
• Your legs are painful to the touch. Your pain is not getting better, even with treatment.
  
  
• Your sores are draining pus.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Stasis Dermatitis (Aftercare Instructions)