Stasis dermatitis is a skin condition that can be itchy, painful, and create unseemly discoloration of the skin. Let’s talk about the aspects of stasis dermatitis and where you can go to get quality treatment for your condition.
What Is Stasis Dermatitis?
Stasis dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin becomes discolored, itchy, and painful due to the leakage of water and blood cells from your veins into your skin. This leakage can happen if you have poor circulation or other vascular issues.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of stasis dermatitis are included but, not limited to:
- Itching
- Pain
- Hair loss
- Sores that look scaly, crust over, or ooze
- Veins that are easily visible and are dark purple or blue (varicose veins)
- Skin discoloration (reddish, brown, or yellowish)
Stasis dermatitis is most common in the legs, ankles, and feet due to poorer circulation in those body parts.
Who Is Affected?
Women are more prone to stasis dermatitis than men. It is also more common in people over the age of 50. If you have any of the following conditions, you are at a higher risk for stasis dermatitis:
- Varicose veins
- High blood pressure
- Heart conditions
- Blood clots, particularly in the legs
- Being overweight or obese
- Kidney issues
- Many pregnancies
- Past injury or surgery in the legs
Treatments
All treatments for stasis dermatitis focus on improving circulation and keeping the skin healthy. If you have vascular issues, your doctor may suggest therapies for varicose veins or other issues to improve circulation. You can also use compression stockings to improve blood flow. In general, you should ensure you are getting consistent exercise and not sitting for a prolonged period. Your doctors recommend that you get up and walk briskly for 10 minutes for every 1 hour of sitting, especially if you work in a job where you sit most of the day. Your doctor may also recommend supplementing vitamins and antioxidants that keep blood vessels healthy, like vitamin C and rutin, a plant antioxidant.
Treatments for skin flare-ups include a steroid that your doctor may prescribe to ease inflammation and a moisturizer that does not contain dyes, perfumes, or fragrances.
Best Dermatologists Near Me
If you have stasis dermatitis or any other skincare condition you need to be treated, look no further than Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology. Our board-certified dermatologists and highly experienced physician assistants are trained to treat any and all skin care conditions and design treatment plans around each individual patient’s needs.
To schedule an appointment, call us at 706-543-5858 or visit our website and fill out our new patient appointment request form here.