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Stasis Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Stasis dermatitis, gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema

Stasis dermatitis (also known as gravity dermatitis, venous eczema) is an inflammatory skin disease that occurs mostly in the lower extremities due to insufficient venous blood flow.

It occurs more often in women than in men
It is more common in persons over 50 years of age
Characteristic of individuals with various circulatory disorders

Risk factors

The main risk factor is venous blood flow disorders/insufficiency. Other risk factors that promote the development of stasis dermatitis:

varicose veins
high blood pressure
obesity, vein operations
multiple pregnancies
past episodes of clotting
congestive heart failure
chronic kidney failure
certain lifestyle factors such as low physical activity, standing or sitting work

Acne, what is it - a skin disease - photos

Clinical signs

Early signs: ankle swelling, orange-brown spots, sometimes called cayenne pepper spots

Other signs:

redness (may be brown, purple, gray or ashen in owners of darker skin)
itching
flaking, scabs
skin dryness
a feeling of heaviness or soreness in the legs after sitting or standing for a long time
increased risk of developing contact dermatitis
localization: usually in the lower third of the calf

Diagnostics

Data from the anamnesis and the clinic are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis.

However, in order to find out the cause of the disease, additional tests and consultations of doctors of other specialties may be necessary.

Treatment

During the consultation, a treatment plan is drawn up for each patient individually. It is very important to find out the cause of the disease and treat it. Additional measures may also be applied:

vitamin C and rutin, which is a plant pigment and antioxidant that helps keep blood vessels elastic and healthy
topically applied glucocorticoids (hormonal ointments)
elevated leg position (if possible every few hours)
compression therapy
limiting the use of salt in food
if a secondary skin infection has contributed, treatment with topical or oral antibiotics

Important: if stasis dermatitis is left untreated for a long time, the disease progresses and forms venous ulcers that may bleed, ooze, and eventually leave scars after they heal. Therefore, if you feel the symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately contact your family doctor or directly to a dermatovenerologist.

If you are unsure about your diagnosis and over-the-counter remedies from the pharmacy don’t help – seek help from a dermatologist!

iDerma team will provide a consultation within 24 hours, explain your diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment remotely!