Also called gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, and venous stasis dermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis develops in people who have poor venous circulation. Most of the patients with this condition have venous insufficiency, vein disease or varicose veins. It may occur in one or both legs. Stasis dermatitis can develop in other areas, but this is rare.
Like venous insufficiency, Stasis dermatitis is most common in the lower legs because this portion of the legs is most dependent. Leg veins have one-way valves, which play an important role in circulating our blood. These valves prevent the blood from moving downwards. As we age, these valves can weaken and stop working properly. Some blood can leak out and pool in the legs. This is called as “venous insufficiency.”
Not all patients with venous insufficiency develop stasis dermatitis. Watching for signs and symptoms of stasis dermatitis is important though. Treatment and self-care can prevent the stasis dermatitis from becoming severe.
Swelling around the ankle is often the first sign of stasis dermatitis. The swelling tends to clear while you sleep — and return during the day.
Other signs are discolored skin, itching, oozing , pain, varicose veins.
We will post signs and symptoms and ways to prevent and treat in a few days!