What is stasis dermatitis?

 Stasis dermatitis, also known as gravity dermatitis, venous eczema, and venous stasis dermatitis, occurs when there is venous insufficiency or poor circulation in the lower extremities.

 Venous insufficiency occurs when venous valves in the legs push blood back to the heart, weakening and helping them leak fluids. This causes a buildup of water and blood cells in the lower extremities.

 Vascular failure may be associated with aging, but it can also indicate a serious underlying disorder such as heart disease or kidney disease.

 Who suffers from stasis dermatitis and why?

Stasis dermatitis most commonly affects people with poor circulation, usual people over the age of 50. Women are more likely to get sick than men.

 Not all people with venous insufficiency develop stasis dermatitis, but poor circulation increases the risk.

 Other risk factors include:

•  varicose veins
•  high blood pressure
•  Obesity, venous surgery
•  multiple pregnancies
•  a history of blood clots in the legs
•  congestive heart failure

 kidney failure

 B. Certain lifestyle factors, such as some physical activity or work that requires hours of sitting or standing

 What are the symptoms of stasis dermatitis?

Stasis dermatitis can affect one or both legs or lower limbs. It can appear on other parts of the body, but this is rare.

 In addition to ankle swelling, the first sign is an orange-brown discoloration sometimes called a red pepper spot. These spots are formed when capillaries, the smallest blood vessels, rupture from pressure and swelling.

 Other symptoms of stasis dermatitis include:

•  Redness may appear on light skin tones, brown, purple, gray o,r ashen on dark skin tones
•  itching
•  scaling
•  Dry

 Heavy or painful sensations after sitting or standing for a long time

 Increased risk of developing contact dermatitis

 If left untreated, stasis dermatitis can cause swelling to spread from the ankles to the calves, causing the skin to become shiny. An open sore, called a venous ulcer, may occur on the lower extremities and the foot. When these ulcers heal, they can bleed, exudate, and leave scarring.

 Severe stasis dermatitis can cause permanent skin changes, including thickening, hardening, darkening, or an uneven cobblestone-like appearance.

 How is stasis dermatitis treated?

Treatment of stasis dermatitis involves identifying and treating the root cause and managing the various symptoms.

 Doctors usually diagnose stasis dermatitis by examining the skin, but they can check circulation and run tests to determine the cause of poor circulation.

 Treatments include:

•  compression stockings to reduce swelling
•  Raise your legs above your heart every two hours to control swelling.
•  Avoid foods high in salt
•  Added Vitamin C and Rutin, Plant Pigments, and Antioxidants to help keep blood vessels soft and healthy
•  For red or dark itchy skin, dermatologists may prescribe topical corticosteroids to relieve inflammation.
•  topical or oral antibiotics if the skin is infected