Stasis Dermatitis

I. Definition:

Stasis dermatitis is a rash of the lower legs which is due to poor return of blood to the heart. Usually the inner lower leg is more involved than the outer lower leg.

II. Causes:

• As some people get older the veins which carry blood from the legs back to the heart do not work as well as they use to. This causes fluid to settle in the lower legs resulting in swelling and a rash known as stasis dermatitis.
• Sometimes the rash breaks down into a sore resulting in a stasis ulcer.

III. Treatment:

• Keep your legs elevated as much as possible. When ever sitting down, keep your legs on a foot stool.
• At night sleep with a pillow under your lower legs.
• Apply Vaseline to the rash several times a day.
• If you have a severe case of stasis dermatitis, the doctor will prescribe medication for the rash. The doctor may have you wear tight stockings to keep fluid from settling or pooling in the legs.
• One must be careful not to injure the lower legs as this can lead to the formation of an ulcer.
• If you get an ulcer call the doctor immediately so measures can be taken to heal the sore.

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