Stasis Dermatitis and Stasis ulcers

What is Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis Dermatitis develops on the lower extremities secondary to venous incompetence and chronic edema. Early findings in the Stasis Dermatitis consists of mild erythema and scaling associated with pruritus. The typical initial site of involvement is the medical aspect of the ankle, often over a distended vein.

As the disorder progresses, the dermatitis becomes progressively pigmented, due to chronic erythrocyte extravasation leading to cutaneous hemosiderin deposition. As with other forms of dermatitis, Stasis Dermatitis may become acutely inflamed with crusting and exudate.

Chronic Stasis Dermatitis is often associated with dermal fibrosis that is often complicated by secondary infection and contact dermatitis.

Severe Stasis Dermatitis may precede the development of Stasis ulcers.

Treatment of Stasis Dermatitis and Stasis ulcers

Avoidance of irritants and use of emollients and midpotency topical glucocorticoids are the cornerstones of therapy leg ulcers. Patients should be encouraged to elevate the affected extremity when sitting.

Stasis ulcers are difficult to treat, and resolution of these lesions is slow even under best cicumstances. The ulcer should be kept clear of necrotic material by gentle debridement and covered with a semipermeable dressing under pressure.

Some ulcers may take months to heal or require skin grafting.