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Definition Return to top
Stasis dermatitis are skin changes caused by fluid build-up under the skin.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Varicose veins, congestive heart failure, and other conditions can cause swelling of the extremities, especially the feet and ankles. This swelling is caused when plasma (the fluid portion of blood) leaks out of the blood vessels and into the tissues.
The excess fluid in the tissues interferes with the blood's ability to feed the tissue cells and dispose of cellular waste products. The tissue becomes poorly nourished and fragile, resulting in stasis dermatitis. The disorder is common on the ankles because there is less supportive tissue in this area.
In stasis dermatitis, the skin becomes thin and inflamed, and open ulcers may form and heal slowly. The skin may darken. The skin, initially thin, may later thicken, perhaps because of itching and scratching of the area.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. Your doctor may order tests to examine the blood flow in your legs.Treatment Return to top
The underlying condition and swelling must be controlled. This may include surgical correction of varicose veins, medications to control heart failure, or diuretics to remove excess fluid.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Stasis dermatitis is often a chronic condition. Symptoms may be minimized if the underlying condition and swelling can be controlled.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if leg swelling or stasis dermatitis develops.Prevention Return to top
Prevention is the control of underlying causes of peripheral edema. Update Date: 8/15/2003 Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |