How is stasis dermatitis diagnosed?
To diagnose stasis dermatitis, your doctor will closely examine the skin on your legs. Your doctor may also order a venous Doppler ultrasound. This is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to check the blood flow in your legs.
How is stasis dermatitis treated?
There are several things you can do at home to help treat stasis dermatitis:
Avoid standing and sitting for long periods of time.
Prop up your feet when sitting.
Wear compression stockings.
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating your skin.
Shop online for compression stockings.
Ask your doctor about the types of skin creams and ointments you can use. Avoid using the following products:
lanolin
calamine and other lotions that dry your skin
topical antibiotic ointments such a neomycin, due to possible allergic reactions
benzocaine and other numbing medications
Your doctor might tell you to put wet bandages on your skin and might prescribe topical steroid creams and ointments. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if your skin becomes infected. Surgery may be recommended to correct varicose veins if they become painful.
Treating conditions that cause venous insufficiency (such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure) can also help control your stasis dermatitis.
What are the possible long-term complications of untreated symptoms?
If it’s left untreated, stasis dermatitis can result in:
chronic leg ulcers
osteomyelitis, which is a bone infection
a bacterial skin infection, such as abscesses or cellulitis
permanent scarring
How can stasis dermatitis be prevented?
Stasis dermatitis is usually the result of a chronic illness, such as congestive heart failure, so it’s difficult to prevent if you’re already ill.
However, you can reduce your risk by preventing the swelling in your legs (the peripheral edema) that causes it.
You can also lower your risk by exercising. Exercise is a great way to improve your circulation and reduce your body fat. Limiting the amount of sodium you consume can also help.
