Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis – or varicose eczema – is a type of eczema seen on the bottom half of the legs of patients who have an underlying venous disease. Its symptoms include varicose veins and/or varicosities and swollen ankles, particularly at the end of the day. One of the complications of this condition is leg ulcers. All of these symptoms can sometimes arise as delayed complications of deep venous thrombosis. The rash may remain confined to the lower part of one or both legs but may also spread to the rest of the body (dissemination). In most cases, it is very itchy (pruritus).

Stasis dermatitis must not be confused with contact dermatitis, which is also common in patients with chronic venous disease. The skin allergy can be caused by a variety of preparations – gels, creams and ointments - that patients use to treat and relieve their symptoms, thinking they are doing the right thing. Bring all the products you have used or are using to your doctor to help him or her identify a possible allergic cause of your leg eczema!

The treatment of stasis dermatitis consists of:

— Treating the eczema, most often with steroid creams (don’t apply them just anywhere, and certainly not to your face). Stop using all your other preparations; you may be more allergic to them than you think…

— Try to reduce the swelling and stasis caused by the damaged veins (rest with your legs up, wear bandages or compression stockings)

— Whenever possible, seek treatment for varicose veins (surgery, or sclerotherapy, etc.).