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What is Venous Stasis Dermatitis?
Venous stasis dermatitis, also referred to as varicose eczema, is a kind of skin disorder that can occur in people who also have varicose veins. Varicose veins are large, twisted, bulging veins that lie just below the surface of the skin and commonly appear in the legs and feet. It is always caused by underlying venous insufficiency.
Book your appointment today with Virginia Vein Care to treat your stasis dermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis can happen when blood is prevented from moving efficiently through your body. This allows water and blood cells to build up, resulting in blood leaking out of the veins and into the skin. It causes inflammation, ulcers, and itchiness on the skin of the lower legs.
People over 70 who struggle with varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, or who have had varicose vein surgery in the past, have the highest risk of developing venous stasis dermatitis. It is also more likely to occur in women.
Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Stasis Dermatitis
Early varicose eczema symptoms may include:
- Itchy varicose veins
- Aching legs
- Shiny, red, discolored or inflamed skin around or above the ankles
- Ankle swelling that tends to worsen throughout the day
- Warm feeling in the legs although skin remains cool to the touch
Moderate to severe symptoms often include:
- Itchy, red, blistered and crusty plaque on lower leg(s)
- Dry, fissured and scaly plaque on lower leg(s)
- White, irregular scars surrounded by red spots on lower leg(s)
- Lipodermatosclerosis (pain, hardening of skin, change in skin color, swelling and tapering of the legs above the ankles)
If left untreated, severe venous eczema can lead to ulcers, which are much more difficult to treat and heal. Severe stasis dermatitis can result in permanent changes to your skin, including thickening, hardening, darkening, or a bumpy, cobblestone-like appearance.
Causes of Stasis Dermatitis
Varicose eczema is usually caused by increased blood pressure in the veins due to damaged vein valves (tiny flaps inside the veins that help push blood back toward the heart). When your circulation isn’t as effective as it should be, your veins don’t return blood to your heart as they’re supposed to. Age and certain health issues can cause your vein valves not to work normally, known as venous insufficiency.
As pressure increases, the damaged vein can leak fluid and blood under the skin and cause inflammation and then eczema.
Other risk factors making venous stasis dermatitis more likely include:
- Varicose veins
- kidney failure
- Multiple pregnancies
- Being significantly overweight
- High blood pressure
- Past surgeries or injury to the affected area
- Heart conditions such as congestive heart failure
- Blood clots, especially in the leg\
- Regularly going long periods of sitting or standing
- Lack of exercise
Venous Stasis Dermatitis Treatment
The key to effective varicose eczema treatment is keeping the skin moisturized.
Common treatment options include:
1. Self-help techniques
Avoid worsening eczema symptoms with these tips:
- Avoid injuring your skin, as it could increase your risk of developing an ulcer.
- Raise your legs above your heart while at rest to help reduce swelling.
- Stay physically active to improve circulation and maintain a healthy weight.
2. Emollients
Apply a moisturizing ointment, cream or lotion directly to the skin to help reduce water loss. You may also cover it with a protective layer or bandage to help manage dry or scaly skin. Talk to your doctor to find out which type of emollient is right for you.
3. Topical corticosteroids
Your doctor may prescribe a topical steroid to ease the itching, flaking, oozing, and redness often associated with venous eczema. They are available in many different strengths, so talk to your doctor to find out which one is right for you.
4. Compression stockings
Medical compression stockings are specially designed to steadily squeeze your legs to improve circulation. This type of compression encourages blood to flow upward, toward your heart.
Venous ulcers can be treated with compresses and bland dressings such as zinc oxide paste. A zinc gelatin treatment known as an Unna paste boot can be used in patients who are ambulatory.
Outlook
While no cure exists for stasis dermatitis, early treatment and certain preventative measures can keep the condition from getting worse.
Virginia Vein Care specializes in a range of minimally invasive, state-of-the-art varicose vein treatment options. Visit a location near you and talk to one of our skilled vein care specialists about how to effectively manage the symptoms of varicose eczema with ongoing self-care and maintenance.