Stasis Dermatitis Treatment

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.