Stasis dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that happens when veins can no longer pump blood back to the heart (poor circulation). This condition causes a red or brown scaly rash or sores (ulcers) from the pooling of blood (stasis). This condition usually affects the lower legs. It may affect one leg or both legs.
Without treatment, severe stasis dermatitis can lead to other skin conditions and infections.
What are the causes?
This condition is caused by poor circulation.
What increases the risk?
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You are not very active.
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You stand for long periods of time.
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You have veins that have become enlarged and twisted (varicose veins).
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You have leg veins that are not strong enough to send blood back to the heart (venous insufficiency).
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You have had a blood clot.
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You have been pregnant many times.
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You have had vein surgery.
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You are obese.
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You have heart or kidney failure.
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You are 50 years of age or older.
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You have had injuries to your legs in the past.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Itchiness in one or both of your legs.
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Swelling in your ankle or leg. This might get better overnight but be worse again during the day.
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Skin that looks thin on your ankle and leg.
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Red or brown marks that develop slowly.
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Skin that is dry, cracked, or easily irritated.
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Red, swollen skin that is sore or has a burning feeling.
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An achy or heavy feeling after you walk or stand for long periods of time.
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Pain.
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Skin that looks shiny.
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Small, open sores (ulcers). These are often red or purple and leak fluid.
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Skin that feels hard.
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Severe itching.
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A change in the shape or color of your lower legs.
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Severe pain.
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Difficulty walking.
How is this diagnosed?
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Your symptoms and medical history.
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A physical exam.
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Blood tests.
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Imaging tests to check blood flow (Doppler ultrasound).
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Allergy tests.
You may need to see a health care provider who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist).
How is this treated?
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Compression stockings or an elastic wrap to improve circulation.
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Medicines, such as:
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Corticosteroid creams and ointments.
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Non-corticosteroid medicines applied to the skin (topical).
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Medicine to reduce swelling in the legs (diuretics).
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Antibiotics.
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Medicine to relieve itching (antihistamines).
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A bandage (dressing).
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A wrap that contains zinc and gelatin (Unna boot).
Follow these instructions at home:
Skin care
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Moisturize your skin as told by your health care provider. Do not use moisturizers with fragrance. This can irritate your skin.
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Apply a cool, wet cloth (cool compress) to the affected areas.
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Do not scratch your skin.
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Do not rub your skin dry after a bath or shower. Gently pat your skin dry.
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Do not use scented soaps, detergents, or perfumes.
Medicines
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Take or use over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take or use it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking or using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.
Activity
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Walk as told by your health care provider. Walking increases blood flow.
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Do calf and ankle exercises throughout the day as told by your health care provider. This will help increase blood flow.
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Raise (elevate) your legs above the level of your heart when you are sitting or lying down.
Lifestyle
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Work with your health care provider to lose weight, if needed.
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Do not cross your legs when you sit.
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Do not stand or sit in one position for long periods of time.
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Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Circulation in your legs will be worse if you wear tight pants, belts, and waistbands.
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
General instructions
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If you were asked to use one of the following to help with your condition, follow instructions from your health care provider on how to:
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Remove and change any dressing.
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Wear compression stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
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Wear the Unna boot.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your condition does not improve with treatment.
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Your condition gets worse.
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You have signs of infection in the affected area. Watch for:
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Swelling.
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Tenderness.
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Redness.
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Soreness.
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Warmth.
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You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
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You notice red streaks coming from the affected area.
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Your bone or joint underneath the affected area becomes painful after the skin has healed.
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The affected area turns darker.
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You feel a deep pain in your leg or groin.
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You are short of breath.
Summary
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Stasis dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition that happens when veins can no longer pump blood back to the heart (poor circulation).
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Wear compression stockings as told by your health care provider. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about activity, medicines, and lifestyle.
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Contact a health care provider if you have a fever or have signs of infection in the affected area.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.