Stasis Dermatitis is a medical condition, which is chronic, characterized by swelling (inflammation), redness, warmth, and scaling on the lower legs, frequently culminating in brown dark skin.

Stasis Dermatitis is caused by pooling of fluid and blood under the person’s skin, so it trends to occur in individuals with edema (swelling) and varicose veins. Such type of dermatitis generally happen on the ankles. At the beginning, the skin becomes mildly scaly and reddened, but over few months or weeks the skin becomes dark brown. The blood’s underlying pooling frequently is not noticeable for long time, during which the edema (swelling) increases as does ulceration (severe skin damage) and possibility of infections.

Prolonged treatment consists of decreasing blood pooling chances in the veins around the person’s ankles. Properly fitted support hoses may help in preventing severe damage of skin by preventing accumulation of fluid in the person’s lower legs. Current onset dermatitis may be treated by soothing compresses (for example, gauze pads soaked in tap water), may help prevent infection and make the skin feel better.

If the stasis dermatitis become worse (pus, small ulcers, redness, and increased warmth), a more absorbent dressing may be helpful. Corticosteroid cream is also beneficial and is frequently used with paste, containing zinc oxide and applied in a thin layers. If the individuals have extensive or large ulcers, more substantial dressing is required. Paste of zink oxide is used traditionally, but newer bandage types, containing absorbed material is more effective. An antibiotic is prescribed, when the person’s skin is infected.

Some individuals can require a cast-like device filled with a gelatin paste, consisting zinc, called Unna’s boot. Such boot helps protect the person’s skin from irritation, and the paste helps to heal the person’s skin. If the unna’s boot is unmanageable or uncomfortable, such paste may be used under bandage held by elastic support. In Statis Dermatitis, the skin easily becomes irritated.

This entry was filed under Diseases and Conditions.

Tags: antibiotic, corticosteroid cream, gauze pads, inflammation, medical condition, skin damage, stasis dermatitis, zinc oxide