Treating Stasis Dermatitis: Creams, Socks, and Pain Relief
Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MD
Stasis dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by poor blood flow through the veins. Symptoms of scaly, inflamed, and itchy skin generally appear on the legs and feet but can be seen on the arms. Treatments to manage the symptoms vary from simple at-home therapies to surgical procedures.
This article will discuss what stasis dermatitis symptoms look like and its treatment options. It will also cover preventive measures.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Raimo Suhonen www.dermnetnz.org 2023.
Stasis Dermatitis: A Subtype of Eczema
Stasis dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by inadequate blood return through the blood vessels in the legs. This poor blood return creates the skin symptoms associated with the condition.
Chronic venous insufficiency is poor blood return within the veins. There are one-way valves in venous blood vessels that help bring blood back to the heart. As people age, these veins may not work as well. This allows blood to stay in the legs. Fluid can leak out of the vessels, causing swelling.
What Causes Symptoms?
Stasis dermatitis symptoms are the result of chronic venous insufficiency. This condition is more common as people get older. It is also caused by:
Blood clots in the leg
Leg injuries
Poor blood flow
Surgery
When someone has chronic venous insufficiency, the blood pooling (stasis) causes fluid to leak out of the vessels. The pressure of the fluid from inside the skin causes stasis dermatitis symptoms.
How Does Stasis Dermatitis Look?
Stasis dermatitis can vary in appearance based on its severity.
It often appears on the lower legs, especially the inside of the ankle (medial malleolus). However, it can also show up on the arms and upper legs. The symptoms and stasis dermatitis include:
Hyperpigmentation (areas of darker skin)
Dry skin
Inflammation
Itching
Redness
The condition can progress to skin thickening and changes in skin color. The itching can cause a person to scratch their skin, which creates open wounds. This increases the risk of infection and causes skin thickening and a leatherlike skin appearance.
Statis Dermatitis Scratching
Itching is a common and very uncomfortable symptom caused by stasis dermatitis. Scratching may temporarily relieve the itching sensation but it can have harmful side effects, including skin injury. This opens the skin up for infection and other issues. A healthcare provider can prescribe a treatment to relieve itching and avoid skin infections.
Reversing Stasis Dermatitis: What’s Possible?
Stasis dermatitis is caused by venous insufficiency, which cannot be reversed. However, symptoms can be treated and appropriately managed. Below are ways to alleviate the skin symptoms of stasis dermatitis:
Elevate legs: Raise legs above the level of the heart every two hours for 15 minutes at a time. Keep legs elevated when sleeping.
Take breaks: Take a break every hour from sitting or standing. Do this with a quick walk to get blood moving.
Exercise: Exercise such as walking can help blood circulation and build muscle.
Cool compress: Apply a cold washcloth or towel over the affected area for 15 minutes to relieve itching and discomfort.
Moisturize: Use fragrance-free moisturizers like Vaseline to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Colloidal oatmeal: Take a colloidal oatmeal bath to soothe and soften the skin.
Limit salt: Reducing salt intake can improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
Treatment to Manage Stasis Dermatitis
Treatment to manage stasis dermatitis is based on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced:
Corticosteroid cream may be prescribed to reduce swelling, redness, and itching. This cream can be applied and used in conjunction with compression stockings.
Compression stockings are tight, elastic stockings that are typically worn all day. They provide a moderate squeeze on the legs to help with blood return, which reduces swelling.
Unna boots can be worn by people who have difficulty putting on compression stockings. Though it is not exactly footwear, the Unna boot is a dressing with zinc oxide and other components that is wrapped around the foot and leg to relieve swelling and itching.
Saline (saltwater solution) to clean the wounds, bandages to cover them, and prescription antibiotics if wounds are infected may be recommended.
Laser therapy with intense pulsed light (IPL) to treat brown spots is a treatment option to lighten or remove the hyperpigmentation once wounds are healed and the condition is under control.
How to Prevent Flares and Manage Pain
Pain is a common symptom associated with stasis dermatitis. It can be managed with anti-inflammatory pain-relieving medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen sodium). Other pain relievers include Tylenol (acetaminophen) or topical anesthetic creams.
One of the best ways to prevent flares is to wear compression stockings. A study found that compression stockings help reduce recurrence by approximately 50%
Another preventive measure is vein ablation. This is a minimally invasive procedure that also promotes healing. The procedure uses microwave radiation to seal off veins that have venous insufficiency. People who have this procedure can return to work within days.
Ways to Support Heart Health
Stasis dermatitis is the result of poor venous blood circulation. Supporting the heart and circulatory system may improve symptoms of this condition. Ways include:
Elevate your legs.
Exercise regularly.
Limit sodium consumption.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Stay hydrated.
Wear compression stockings.
Ongoing Monitoring to Avoid Infection
Skin infections are common in people with stasis dermatitis. Signs of a skin infection include:
Itching
Pain
Pus
Redness
Swelling
In order to notice adverse changes, examine the affected area of skin daily. Let your healthcare provider know if you detect any signs of infection. Your provider will be able to recommend the best treatment plan.
Summary
Stasis dermatitis is an eczema subtype that typically affects the feet and legs. It causes itchy, red, and swollen areas that can become open wounds. Treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms with compression stockings, creams, and, in some cases, surgery.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
