Stasis Dermatitis is a type of Eczema, This is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, inflamed, and irritated. It’s incredibly common, affecting more than 31 million Americans. While eczema can vary in severity and appearance, one important thing to remember is that it is not contagious. You cannot catch eczema from someone who already has it.
If you start noticing persistent skin irritation, dryness, or rashes—especially around your lower legs—it’s important to seek medical attention. You can consult the best dermatologist in East New York by contacting Dermatology – Doral Health & Wellness NYr, where a skilled team can accurately diagnose and treat your condition.
Stasis dermatitis, also known as gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, or venous stasis dermatitis. This condition primarily affects the lower legs and is usually a result of poor blood circulation in the veins. When the veins in your legs become weakened or damaged, they allow fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues. Over time, this leads to swelling, inflammation, skin discoloration, and even the formation of varicose veins.
Stasis dermatitis often develops in people who have chronic venous insufficiency, which means the veins struggle to pump blood back up to the heart. The pressure from this poor circulation causes fluid buildup, leading to skin irritation, redness, and thickening, and in severe cases, ulcers may form.
If left untreated, stasis dermatitis can worsen and lead to complications such as open sores, skin infections, and permanent skin changes. That’s why early diagnosis and management are crucial. Treatment may include lifestyle changes (like elevating the legs or wearing compression stockings), medications to reduce inflammation, and addressing the underlying vein condition.
Symptoms Of Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis often affects your lower legs and feet. One of the early signs of this condition is having orange-brown speckles, they develop when capillaries burst due to pressure and swelling. Other symptoms can include:
- Scaling
- Itchiness and dryness
- An achy feeling after a long period of standing or sitting
- Redness
- You develop varicose veins
- Sores
- Hair loss in the affected area
Causes of Statis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis most commonly affects individuals with poor blood circulation in the lower legs, and it is particularly prevalent in adults over the age of 50. While both men and women can develop this condition, studies show that women are more likely to experience it, especially if they have a history of circulatory issues or venous disease.
Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing stasis dermatitis, including:
Varicose veins – Enlarged, twisted veins that cause poor circulation.
Previous vein surgery – Especially procedures involving the legs or treatment of venous insufficiency.
Obesity – Extra body weight puts additional pressure on leg veins.
High blood pressure (hypertension) – Can weaken the blood vessels over time.
Kidney failure – Can lead to fluid retention and poor circulation.
Congestive heart failure – Reduces the heart’s ability to circulate blood effectively, leading to pooling in the lower extremities.
Multiple pregnancies – Pregnancy increases pressure on the veins and can damage the valves within them.
History of blood clots – Especially deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can block or damage leg veins.
In addition to these conditions, lifestyle factors can also contribute to stasis dermatitis. You may be at a higher risk if:
You stand or sit for long periods of time, especially without elevating your legs.
You live a sedentary lifestyle and don’t engage in regular physical activity.
You wear tight clothing or shoes that restrict blood flow in your legs.
You have poorly managed diabetes, which can affect circulation.
Recognizing and managing these risk factors early can help prevent the onset or worsening of stasis dermatitis. If you fall into any of these categories or are already experiencing symptoms like leg swelling, skin discoloration, or irritation, it’s essential to seek help. The specialists at Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center in East New York can provide expert diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan to manage your condition and improve your skin health.
Treatment
Because this condition is mainly caused by your poor circulation, your medical provider may suggest that have your veins surgically repaired. Your medical provider may also want to identify and treat the underlying cause first as well as control your other symptoms.
You can also help manage statis dermatitis by:
- Wearing of compression socks to reduce or manage your swelling
- Elevating your legs or keeping them elevated above your heart. You can do this for 15 minutes every 2 hours and while you sleep, to reduce the swelling.
- Avoiding foods high in salt content
- Taking supplementals of vitamin C and rutin, to help keep your blood vessels flexible.
To help with the inflammation, you can also apply a topical corticosteroid to your itchy skin.
Each form of eczema has its own set of symptoms and triggers, and will most likely need treatment. This is why it is important that you have your condition checked by a dermatologist. A dermatologist can and will help you manage your symptoms and avoid further flare-ups. At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, we have the best dermatologists that can help you take care of your skin. As dermatology experts in East New York, we are dedicated in providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212, to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com.
