image by: LymphaTx

HWN Recommends

Stasis Dermatitis vs Cellulitis: How to Differentiate

In my experience, I have encountered the confusion between venous dermatitis and cellulitis that plagues the wound care industry. The unlikely diagnosis of “bilateral cellulitis” is not uncommon in wound care, followed by two weeks of unnecessary antibiotic therapy. Despite some similarities, there are many differentiating characteristics that diagnosing clinicians either overlook or misunderstand...

Stasis dermatitis, which is also known as venous stasis dermatitis, venous eczema and gravitational dermatitis, is a common condition that develops early in patients with venous insufficiency. The valvular damage that occurs and then leads to venous hypertension and edema set the stage…

read full article

Resources

 Stasis Dermatitis vs Cellulitis: How to Differentiate

Stasis dermatitis, which is also known as venous stasis dermatitis, venous eczema and gravitational dermatitis, is a common condition that develops early in patients with venous insufficiency.

9 Proven Treatments for Stasis Dermatitis

“Consistent use of compression hose is essential,” Dr. Palm says. “Thigh-high varieties are far better than knee-high.” She explains that long-term control of stasis dermatitis often involves wearing graduated compression stockings “to help assist the return of fluid from the lower leg back to the circulation.”

Gradient Compression Garments

Gradient compression is a highly effective, clinically proven method of reducing swelling caused by various venous disorders. Gradient compression improves the return flow of venous and lymph fluid. This prevents the pooling of fluid in the venous system, lymph system, or interstitial spaces.

Dermatitis Academy

Stasis dermatitis is a sequela of chronic venous insufficiency that classically presents with diffuse erythematous and eczematous patches with scaling of the lower leg.

National Eczema Foundation

Stasis dermatitis, also called gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, and venous stasis dermatitis, happens when there is venous insufficiency, or poor circulation in the lower legs. Venous insufficiency happens when the valves in leg veins that help push blood back to the heart weaken and leak fluid. This allows water and blood cells to pool in the lower legs. Venous insufficiency can be caused by aging, but it can also signal a serious underlying medical condition, such as heart or kidney disease.

American Academy of Dermatology Association

This is a common type of eczema that develops in people who have poor blood flow. Because poor blood flow usually develops in the lower legs, stasis dermatitis often appears near your ankles. Stasis dermatitis can occur in other areas of the body aside from the lower legs, but that’s rare.

DermNet NZ

Dry up oozing patches with Condy's solution (potassium permanganate) or dilute vinegar on gauze as compresses.

NHS

If varicose eczema is not treated, leg ulcers can develop. These are long-lasting wounds that form where the skin has become damaged.

ScienceDirect

Stasis dermatitis, commonly seen in the aging population, occurs in the context of chronic venous hypertension. Scaling and erythema are seen on a background of edema, varicosities and hemosiderin hyperpigmentation. At times, stasis dermatitis may be confused with cellulitis, but it is usually chronic and bilateral. When severe and chronic, the condition may induce sclerosis, beginning around the ankles and progressing proximally (termed lipodermatosclerosis). Another complication of severe venous stasis is ulceration.

WikiDoc

Stasis dermatitis (also known as "Congestion eczema," "Gravitational dermatitis," "Gravitational eczema," "Stasis eczema," and "Varicose eczema") refers to the skin changes that occur in the leg as a result of "stasis" or blood pooling from insufficient venous return; the alternative name of varicose eczema comes from a common cause of this being varicose veins.