Stasis dermatitis and ulcers (patient information)
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Stasis dermatitis and ulcers |
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Where to find medical care for Stasis dermatitis and ulcers? |
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Stasis dermatitis and ulcers On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Stasis dermatitis and ulcers |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Stasis dermatitis and ulcers |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Stasis dermatitis is changes in the skin that occur when blood collects (pools) in the veins of the lower leg.
What are the symptoms of Stasis dermatitis and ulcers?
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.
What causes 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.
Who is at highest risk?
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. Your doctor may order tests to examine the blood flow in your legs.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Stasis dermatitis and ulcers?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Stasis dermatitis and ulcers
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
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
Possible complications
Bacterial skin infections Chronic leg ulcers Infection of bone Permanent scar
Prevention of Stasis dermatitis and ulcers
To prevent this condition, control the causes of peripheral edema.