Stasis dermatitis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition

What is stasis dermatitis?

Stasis dermatitis is a type of dermatitis that occurs when blood flow to the skin tissue becomes blocked. This causes a red, crusting rash accompanied by itching and burning.

This condition, known as venous eczema, commonly affects the calves and ankles. The lower limbs only have a one-way valve that plays an important role in the circulatory system.

This type of dermatitis is more common in people aged 50 years and over. With age, the valve function of the blood vessels in the legs tends to decrease or even stop working.

Inflammation of the skin due to stasis dermatitis can last a long time and interfere with daily activities. However, medication can help relieve symptoms and prevent the development of more severe skin diseases.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of stasis dermatitis?

Symptoms of stasis dermatitis generally appear on the lower body. Initially, there is a brownish discoloration of the skin (hyperpigmentation) and the appearance of varicose veins. Your feet also feel heavy, so you can't stand or walk for too long.

Swelling of the ankles is often an early symptom of stasis dermatitis. The swelling usually subsides when you sleep, but will return during the day.

In general, the symptoms of dermatitis are characterized by:

• reddish skin rash,
• skin discoloration,
• dry and crusty skin,
• intense itching,
• dilation of leg veins (varicose veins), and
• leg pain.

As stasis dermatitis progresses, the above symptoms will spread from the ankle to the back of the calf. In some cases, the skin also appears red and shiny.

The affected skin may feel even itchier, drier and more irritated. When the symptoms get worse, the eczema that previously only appeared on the legs will cause:

• open sores that can be accompanied by pus,
• open wounds that ooze,
• thickening of the skin, as well
• skin infections that can cause cellulite.

It is possible that there are other symptoms that have not been mentioned above. Some of the symptoms can also appear on other parts of the body.

When should you see a doctor?

You should get checked out as soon as symptoms appear for the first time. The reason is, skin inflammation can last for a long time if it is not routinely treated. In this condition, inflammation usually makes the skin of the feet hard and dark in color.

The red rash can also cover almost the entire surface of the skin on the feet. Skin that has this condition is more prone to infection. Apart from infection and cellulitis, complications can give rise to other diseases, including contact dermatitis.

Cause

What causes stasis dermatitis?

The cause of stasis dermatitis is blockage of the veins. This condition is also known as chronic venous insufficiency or venous insufficiency.

Blockages in blood vessels block blood flow, creating excess pressure. This pressure can lead to damage to small vessels (capillaries) and result in leakage of blood under the skin.

This condition usually occurs in the leg veins whose valves have only one direction of flow. The leg veins are responsible for bringing blood back to the upper part of the body, and the valves function to prevent blood from flowing back up into the legs.

If the function of blood vessels is disturbed, blood from the legs that should return to the heart actually collects in the veins around the legs. In fact, the blood that is collected is rich in carbon dioxide, not oxygen that the skin tissue needs.

Because blood doesn't travel to the heart, it is difficult for the skin around the feet to get oxygen. As a result, stasis dermatitis occurs.

Risk factors

Who is more at risk for stasis dermatitis?

There are many factors that can increase a person's risk of developing venous eczema. However, the risk is higher in people with circulatory disorders.

Certain diseases and medical conditions that contribute to the appearance of symptoms of stasis dermatitis include:

• high blood pressure,
• varicose veins,
• heart failure,
• kidney failure,
• pregnancy,
• blockage of blood vessels,
• wounds on the part that has blood vessel disorders, as well
• obesity or overweight.

Meanwhile, lifestyles that increase the risk of developing this skin disease are:

• sitting or standing for long periods of time,
• lack of movement or exercise, and
• excess consumption of fatty foods.

Diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose this disease?

To diagnose stasis dermatitis, the doctor will first observe the symptoms that appear on the skin. The doctor will usually also check the history of the disease you have.

Conditions such as obstruction of blood flow, heart disease, and injury to the affected area of ​​the skin are important clues to diagnose this disease. However, a more definite diagnosis is usually obtained from medical testing.

Your dermatologist will likely refer you to the following tests:

• blood test,
• allergy test for skin,
• Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow, and
• heart condition test.

Medicine and medication

How to treat stasis dermatitis?

Treatment aims to control any troublesome symptoms. Therefore, the type of treatment recommended can vary according to the symptoms experienced by each patient.

Here's how to treat eczema on the feet and hands (stasis dermatitis) recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology to relieve symptoms.

1. Relieves swelling

Swelling and pain can be relieved by compressing the legs with varicose veins. Besides being useful for dealing with swelling, compressing the legs with stockings can also help improve blood flow.

You can also reduce swelling by lifting your legs above your chest. Do it every two hours for 15 of these. This habit will help improve blood flow from the legs to the heart.

2. Overcoming inflammation

Inflammation of the skin can be treated by applying non-cosmetic moisturizers, emollients, or corticosteroid ointments. Always follow the instructions for use from the doctor. Do not use corticosteroid medication for longer than recommended because it can cause side effects.

3. Protect wounds

Open wounds on inflamed skin should not be exposed to outside air. You need to protect the wound with a bandage. Change the bandage every few hours so that the wound is always sterile.

4. Overcoming infection

Some sufferers are at risk of experiencing complications in the form of infection of the skin due to constant scratching. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat infections. Make sure you use it as directed by your doctor.

5. Treating varicose veins

Varicose veins can cause pain and bleeding in the affected leg. In severe cases, the problematic blood vessel needs to be removed through a varicose vein surgery procedure.

Home remedies

What are some home remedies that can treat stasis dermatitis?

Self-treatment of stasis dermatitis at home is important to relieve symptoms. You also need to make certain lifestyle changes that might worsen the symptoms of this disease.

Here are some home remedies for dermatitis that can be done.

• Raising the leg higher than the heart to improve blood flow and prevent blood build-up in the vessels.
• Not standing or sitting for too long. Do lots of moving between activities such as taking breaks every 1 hour by walking for 10 minutes.
• Exercise regularly to improve blood flow and increase muscle strength. Discuss the type and duration of exercise you need with your doctor.
• Using clothing that is comfortable on the skin.
• Use unscented soaps, skin cleansers, and moisturizers.
• Avoid allergens or irritants that can cause itching.

Stasis dermatitis cannot be completely eliminated. However, symptom control through medication allows sufferers to return to normal daily activities without experiencing significant skin inflammation.