Symptoms of stasis dermatitis
The symptoms of stasis dermatitis include:
skin discoloration
itching
scaling
ulcers
You may also experience symptoms linked to venous insufficiency, including:
leg swelling
calf pain
calf tenderness
a dull ache or heaviness in your legs that worsens when you stand
In the early stages of stasis dermatitis, the skin on your legs may appear thin. It may also itch, but scratching should be avoided. Scratching can cause the skin to crack and allow fluid to leak out.
Over time, these changes may become permanent. The skin can thicken, harden, or turn dark brown. This is known as lipodermatosclerosis. It may also appear lumpy.
In the final stages of stasis dermatitis, the skin breaks down and an ulcer or sore develops. These ulcers usually form on the inside of the ankle.
Common causes of stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is caused by poor circulation. In most cases, this results from a long-term condition called venous insufficiency, which occurs when the veins struggle to return blood to the heart.
Inside leg veins are one-way valves that normally keep blood flowing upward toward the heart. In people with venous insufficiency, these valves weaken. This causes blood to flow backward and pool in the legs instead of moving upward. This pooling leads to stasis dermatitis.
Varicose veins and congestive heart failure are also known causes of leg swelling and stasis dermatitis.
Most conditions that lead to stasis dermatitis develop with age. However, some causes are not age-related, including:
surgery, such as using a leg vein for bypass surgery
deep vein thrombosis in the leg
traumatic injury to the lower legs
What are the risk factors for stasis dermatitis?
Stasis dermatitis affects people with poor circulation. It is common in adults over 50. Women are more likely to develop it than men.
Several diseases and conditions can increase the risk, including:
high blood pressure
venous insufficiency (when veins struggle to send blood from the legs back to the heart)
varicose veins (swollen, enlarged veins visible under the skin)
congestive heart failure (when the heart cannot pump blood effectively)
kidney failure (when kidneys cannot remove toxins from the blood)
obesity
lower leg injuries
multiple pregnancies
deep vein thrombosis in the leg (a blood clot in a vein)
Lifestyle factors can also increase risk. You may be at higher risk if you:
are significantly overweight
do not get enough exercise
sit or stand still for long periods of time
When to see your doctor
See a doctor if you notice leg swelling or any signs of stasis dermatitis, especially if symptoms include:
pain
redness
open wounds or ulcers
pus-like drainage
You can connect with a primary care doctor in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.
How is stasis dermatitis diagnosed?
To diagnose stasis dermatitis, a doctor will carefully examine the skin on your legs. They may also order a venous Doppler ultrasound, a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to assess blood flow in the legs.
How is stasis dermatitis treated?
There are several home-based steps that can help manage stasis dermatitis:
avoid standing or sitting for long periods
elevate your feet when sitting
wear compression stockings
wear loose clothing to prevent skin irritation
Shop online for compression stockings.
Ask your doctor about suitable skin creams and ointments. You should avoid:
lanolin
calamine and other drying lotions
topical antibiotic ointments such as neomycin due to possible allergic reactions
benzocaine and other numbing agents
Your doctor may recommend wet dressings and prescribe topical steroid creams or ointments. Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection develops. Surgery may be recommended to treat painful varicose veins.
Treating underlying conditions that cause venous insufficiency, such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, can also help manage stasis dermatitis.
What are the possible long-term complications of untreated symptoms?
If left untreated, stasis dermatitis can lead to:
chronic leg ulcers
osteomyelitis, a bone infection
bacterial skin infections such as abscesses or cellulitis
permanent scarring
How can stasis dermatitis be prevented?
Stasis dermatitis is often caused by chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, so prevention is difficult if you already have an underlying illness.
However, you can reduce risk by preventing leg swelling (peripheral edema), which contributes to it.
Regular exercise can also lower risk by improving circulation and reducing body fat. Limiting sodium intake may also help.
