Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis | |
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Other names | congestion eczema, gravitational dermatitis, gravitational eczema, stasis eczema, varicose eczema[1] |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Stasis dermatitis refers to the
Insufficient venous return results in increased pressure in the
Symptoms
Stasis dermatitis may be characterized by:
- Skin that appears thin, brown and tissue-like, with possible skin lesions (maculeor patches), red spots, superficial skin irritation and/or darkening and/or thickening of the skin at the ankles or legs
- Weak skin may ulcerate in some areas and legs, ankles, or other areas may become swollen
- Open sores, ulcers
- Itching and/or leg pains
- Sometimes pain may persist from swollen tissues and may feel like "stabbing" or "needle pricks"
If skin continues to deteriorate and breaks down, a venous ulcer (also known as a stasis ulcer) may form.[3] Without proper wound care, open cracks predispose patients for the entry of a bacterial infection, causing cellulitis in the leg.[4]
Diagnosis
Stasis dermatitis is diagnosed clinically by assessing the appearance of red plaques on the lower legs and the inner side of the ankle. Stasis dermatitis can resemble a number of other conditions, such as cellulitis and contact dermatitis, and at times needs the use of a duplex ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis or if clinical diagnosis alone is not sufficient.[5]
Treatment
Treatment may consist of topical applications of steroid based creams and the use of compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression pumps, to help force the underlying buildup of fluids back out of the lower leg.[6]
Compression therapy should consist of moderate pressures and works best for ambulating patients.[5][7]
Ultimately, treating the underlying
This article may be too technical for most readers to understand.(February 2022) |
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Stasis dermatitis (Gravitational eczema)
Complications
If stasis dermatitis goes untreated, the patient is at risk of developing venous ulcers and Acroangiodermatitis.[6][5]
See also
- Sinus pericranii
- List of cutaneous conditions
References
- ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
- ^ "Stasis dermatitis and ulcers: Causes, symptoms, and treatment". Medical News Today. Retrieved 2018-08-30.
- ^ National Institute of Health. Retrieved July 31, 2008.
- PMID 23939641.
- ^ S2CID 3624955.
- ^ PMID 25165656.
- ^ Breakouts Congested Skin, 23 July 2023