Learn About Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers
Stasis dermatitis is a change in the skin that results from the pooling of blood in the veins of the lower leg. Ulcers are open sores that can result from untreated stasis dermatitis.
Venous stasis ulcers; Ulcers - venous; Venous ulcer; Venous insufficiency - stasis dermatitis; Vein - stasis dermatitis
Venous insufficiency is a long-term (chronic) condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. This may be due to damaged valves that are in the veins.
Some people with venous insufficiency develop stasis dermatitis. Blood pools in the veins of the lower leg. Fluid and blood cells leak out of the veins into the skin and other tissues. This may lead to itching and inflammation that cause more skin changes. The skin may then break down to form open sores.
You may have symptoms of venous insufficiency including:
- Dull aching or heaviness in the leg
- Pain that gets worse when you stand or walk
- Swelling in the leg
At first, the skin of the ankles and lower legs may look thin or tissue-like. You may slowly get brown coloring of the skin.
The skin may become irritated or crack if you scratch it. It may also become red or swollen, crusted, or weepy.
Over time, some skin changes become permanent:
- Thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles (lipodermatosclerosis)
- A bumpy or cobblestone appearance of the skin
- Skin turns dark brown
Skin sores (ulcers) may develop (called a venous ulcer or stasis ulcer). These most often form on the inside of the ankle.
Your provider may suggest the following to manage the venous insufficiency that causes stasis dermatitis:
- Use elastic or compression stockings to reduce swelling
- Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Keep your leg raised when you sit
- Try varicose vein stripping or other surgical procedures
Some skin care treatments can make the problem worse. Talk with your provider before using any lotions, creams, or antibiotic ointments.
Things to avoid:
- Topical antibiotics, such as neomycin
- Drying lotions, such as calamine
- Lanolin
- Benzocaine and other products meant to numb the skin
Treatments your provider may suggest include:
- Skin moisturizers
- Unna boot (compressive wet dressing, used only when instructed)
- Topical steroid creams or ointments
- Oral antibiotics
- Good nutrition
SOFHA Surgical Group
. Dr. Gwaltney is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers. His top areas of expertise are Idiopathic Edema, Carotid Artery Disease, Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers, Vagotomy, and Endoscopy.
Texas Health Heart, Lung And Vascular Surgical Specialists
Raul Ortega, M.D., is a vascular surgeon who specializes in carotid disease, aortic disease, vein disease, adult cardiac surgery, minimally invasive thoracic surgery and lung cancer screening program. He is fellowship-trained in minimally-invasive techniques for the treatment of arterial and venous disease.Originally from McAllen, Texas, Ortega has dedicated his life to studying vascular disorders and learning how to both prevent and treat them. He attended Baylor University and obtained his M.D. degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Upon finishing in Galveston, he spent the next eight years in the Northeast completing his surgical training.It was during this time that Ortega was able to finish his vascular fellowship under the auspices of the renowned Dr. H. Dardik at Mt. Sinai-Englewood program in Englewood, N.J. Dardik is widely accepted as a leader in the practice of limb salvage surgery, and in 2002 the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dardik in recognition of his contributions to both the society and vascular surgery.It didn't take long for Ortega and his family to realize they missed the friendly people and sense of community in Texas, and in 2010 they relocated and he established his clinic in Denton. Ortega is happy to be involved in the ground-breaking medical field of vascular surgery because he sees the wide array of applications it provides to people in need: it can potentially help save lives by aortic surgery, save limbs through leg and arm revascularization, prevent strokes using carotid surgery, help treat vein disease with various varicose vein treatments, and help people on dialysis by creating arteriovenous fistulas.In his spare time, Ortega enjoys playing tennis and spending time with his wife and three children. Dr. Ortega is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers. His top areas of expertise are Lymphedema-Distichiasis Syndrome, Aagenaes Syndrome, Milroy Disease, Carotid Artery Surgery, and Endoscopy.
Gw Dermatology-Foggy Bottom South Pavilion
Jonathan Silverberg is a Dermatologist in Washington, Washington, D.c.. Dr. Silverberg is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers. His top areas of expertise are Atopic Dermatitis, Stasis Dermatitis and Ulcers, Contact Dermatitis, and Vitiligo.
Stasis dermatitis is often a long-term (chronic) condition. Healing is related to the successful treatment of the cause, factors causing the ulcer, and prevention of complications.
Complications of stasis ulcers include:
- Bacterial skin infections
- Infection of bone
- Permanent scar
- Skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma)
Contact your provider if you develop leg swelling or symptoms of stasis dermatitis.
Watch for signs of infection, such as:
- Drainage that looks like pus
- Open skin sores (ulcers)
- Pain
- Redness
To prevent this condition, control the causes of swelling of the leg, ankle, and foot (peripheral edema).
Summary: This study tests two types of lasers (ND YAG 1064 short and ultra-short pulses) to treat hyperchromic skin lesions secondary to venous hypertension (stasis dermatitis)
Published Date: October 13, 2024
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Skin, hair, and nails. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 9.
Baxi O, Yeranosian M, Lin A, Munoz M, Lin S. Orthotic management of neuropathic and dysvascular feet. In: Webster JB, Murphy DP, eds. Atlas of Orthoses and Assistive Devices. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 26.
Marks JG, Miller JJ, Hollins LC. Ulcers. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, Hollins LC, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 19.
Marston W. Venous ulcers. In: Almeida JI, ed. Atlas of Endovascular Venous Surgery. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 20.