Stasis dermatitis, or stasis eczema, is a chronic inflammation of the skin that occurs in the lower leg area, mainly in the ankles, due to the difficulty of returning blood to the heart, accumulating in the area; this chronic disease is characterized by a change in skin color, which darkens due to flaking, heat and edema.
Treatment is done according to the dermatologist’s advice and should be done as soon as possible to avoid complications, such as ulcers, for example.
- The main cause of stasis dermatitis is venous insufficiency.
- When blood cannot return to the heart and builds up in the legs.
- So this type of dermatitis occurs most often in women with varicose veins and leg swelling.
Treatment of stasis dermatitis aims to resolve venous insufficiency, i. e. allow normalization of circulation, thus reducing blood buildup in the lower legs.
The dermatologist generally recommends the use of elastic compression stockings and advises the person not to sit or stand for a long time, and wet compresses, ointments at the site of inflammation or oral antibiotics may be indicated according to medical advice. It is important to take certain precautions such as protecting injuries to prevent infections and, if possible, lifting your legs to prevent blood buildup.
It is not recommended to apply creams, ointments or antibiotics not recommended by the doctor, as this can aggravate inflammation, resulting in complications such as contact dermatitis, infectious cellulite and the appearance of varicose ulcers, which are difficult to heal for wounds located in the ankle. and which are caused by poor circulation. When ulcers are very aggressive, skin grafts may be recommended to regenerate the affected tissue. Understand what varicose ulcer is and how treatment is performed.
Symptoms normally associated with stasis dermatitis include
When symptoms appear, it is important to consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis is usually made by looking at skin symptoms and characteristics, but laboratory tests may also be needed to evaluate blood circulation and imaging tests such as ultrasound.