Stasis dermatitis and ulcers
Alternative Names: Venous stasis ulcers; Ulcers - venous; Venous ulcer
Stasis dermatitis is changes in the skin that occur when blood collects (pools) in the veins of the lower leg.
Causes of Stasis dermatitis and ulcers
Venous insufficiency is a long-term (chronic) condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart.
Some people with venous insufficiency develop stasis dermatitis. Blood pools in the veins of the lower leg. Fluid and blood cells leak out of the veins into the skin and other tissues. This may lead to itching, which causes more skin changes.
Stasis dermatitis and ulcers Symptoms
You may have symptoms of venous insufficiency, which include a dull aching or heaviness in the leg and pain that gets worse when you stand.
At first, the skin of the ankles and lower legs may look thin or tissue-like. You may slowly get brown stains on the skin.
If you scratch the area, the skin may become irritated or crack. It may also become red or swollen, crusted, or weepy.
Over time, some skin changes become permanent:
- Thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles (lipodermatosclerosis)
- A bumpy or cobblestone appearance of the skin
- Dark brown color
Skin sores (ulcers) may develop (called a venous ulcer or stasis ulcer). These most often form on the inside of the ankle.
Tests and Exams
The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. Your doctor may order tests to examine the blood flow in your legs.
Treatment of Stasis dermatitis and ulcers
You may take the following steps to manage venous insufficiency, which is causing stasis dermatitis:
- Use elastic or compression stockings to reduce swelling
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and keep the leg raised when you sit
- Try varicose vein stripping or other nonsurgical procedures
Caring for and treating the skin can help the problem, or may make it worse. Talk with your health care provider before using any lotions, creams, or antibiotic ointments. Avoid:
- Topical antibiotics, such as neomycin
- Drying lotions, such as calamine
- Lanolin
- Benzocaine and other products meant to numb the skin
Treatments your health care provider may suggest include:
- Wet dressings (use only when instructed)
- Topical steroid creams or ointments
- Oral antibiotics
Prognosis (Outlook)
Stasis dermatitis is often a long-term (chronic) condition.
Potential Complications
- Bacterial skin infections
- Chronic leg ulcers
- Infection of bone
- Permanent scar
When to Contact a Health Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop leg swelling or symptoms of stasis dermatitis. Watch for signs of infection:
- Drainage that looks like pus
- Open skin sores (ulcers)
- Pain
- Redness
Prevention of Stasis dermatitis and ulcers
To prevent this condition, control the causes of peripheral edema.
Habif TP. Eczema and hand dermatitis. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 3.
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Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Copyright 2011 A.D.A.M., Inc.
