What is venous stasis dermatitis?
Venous stasis dermatitis is a venous insufficiency related condition that typically affects the legs, ankles, and feet (although it can present in other areas of the body) resulting in swelling, pain, severe skin irritation (redness, soreness, discoloration, scaling, dryness, intense itch, shiny skin, cracked skin, thick skin), venous ulcers (open sores or wounds), infection, and other venous stasis dermatitis symptoms.
Venous stasis dermatitis is also commonly referred to as gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, and stasis dermatitis.
What causes stasis dermatitis?
Stasis dermatitis is caused by venous insufficiency. When proper vein valve function deteriorates, those valves are unable to effectively support blood flow from the lower extremities back to the heart. When this happens, blood can pool in the legs, ankles, and feet, creating pressure, swelling (edema), and fluid accumulation, causing a variety of vascular conditions and diseases, including stasis dermatitis (gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, or venous stasis dermatitis).
Stasis dermatitis is a relatively common condition. Risk factors include high blood pressure, family history of venous insufficiency, age-related vein wall and valve deterioration, the presence of blood clots or varicose veins, lifestyle factors, jobs that involve sitting or standing for long periods of time, and pregnancy.
Patients with stasis dermatitis often experience related vascular complications, such as venous ulcers, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What happens if stasis dermatitis is left untreated?
If you suspect that you have stasis dermatitis, it is important to see a qualified stasis dermatitis doctor right away. Stasis dermatitis requires proper care and treatment to both resolve acute symptoms and to avoid potentially serious complications, such as venous leg ulcers, open sores and wounds that are unable to heal, abscesses, and infections such as cellulitis (skin infection) and osteomyelitis (bone infection).
Stasis dermatitis treatment options
Stasis dermatitis treatment may involve medication to address acute symptoms and/or minimally invasive vein surgery (little-to-no downtime) to treat the underlying causes and prevent future occurrences. Stasis dermatitis treatment options often include ablation, phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, and other minimally invasive procedures.
Board Certified Vascular Surgeon Dr. Paula Muto and her team of leading venous stasis dermatitis specialists have more than 25 years of experience and have performed thousands of highly-effective vein procedures to address the causes of stasis dermatitis. The Muto Vein Center offers innovative and comfortable treatment options on an outpatient basis.
Schedule your free consultation
Benefit from our experience and get the right care, the first time. Schedule your free in-person consultation with Dr. Muto to discuss your concerns and treatment options available to help you look and feel your best as quickly as possible.
Insurance + payment
The Muto Vein Center is proud to accept most private and managed care insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. If you have questions regarding your specific plan, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
For those paying directly, we strive to offer top care for a fair, affordable price.
The Muto Vein Center is proud to accept most private and managed care insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. For those paying directly, we strive to offer top care for a fair, affordable price.
Not sure where to start? Book your free vein consultation to discuss your concerns and treatment options in-person or via video from your home or office. There’s no obligation – it’s simply a free service we provide!
(978) 557-1009
To schedule an appointment at The Muto Vein Center, give us a call or click below to request an appointment online. We are currently welcoming new patients!
(978) 557-1009
“Dr. Muto and her team were terrific and I am very grateful. I suffered for many years because of my legs and Dr. Muto not only was able to make the proper diagnosis but also to fix the problem quickly and with very little discomfort. I would recommend her to anyone with bad legs.”
“Met Dr. Muto for the first time in my life as I lay in the hospital emergency room. She responded to my need for surgery to be done ASAP. She explained in laymens terms her plan of action to me and my family. She made sure the emergency room staff followed her direction in getting all needed …
“I’ve suffered for years with not only pain and swelling, but restless leg too. It was so bad I couldn’t sleep. Dr. Muto and her staff were so friendly and explained all of my conditions to me and made sure I was comfortable with my procedures.”
“Dr. Muto is the expert in venous disease. Before seeing her, I was embarrassed to show my legs. I had poor circulation, varicose veins and spider veins. Her team was friendly and efficient! I recommend Dr. Muto to everyone I know struggling with leg problems.”
“Dr. Muto did miracles with my legs. I was in so much pain and her office was able to get me in same day. I have seen so many other doctors who could not help me. Dr. Muto was patient with me and was committed to making sure I was satisfied.”
“I had bulging veins on my legs for years that were not only ugly, but very painful. Dr. Muto made me feel comfortable and her staff is so nice! Within no time, Dr. Muto made my legs beautiful again. Her procedures were fast, easy and painless.”