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Stasis Dermatitis: What It Is And Who’s At Risk

Stasis dermatitis is a sometimes painful condition typically caused by poor circulation. It can cause swelling in the legs, along with a wide variety of other symptoms such as itching and skin discoloration. Read on to learn more about what causes stasis dermatitis and what kind of symptoms you might experience if you develop it.

What Causes Stasis Dermatitis?

Poor circulation is the root cause of stasis dermatitis, so any medical conditions or even lifestyle factors that hinder circulation can contribute to its development. Typically, the factors that promote the condition are a common part of the aging process, which is why it’s most frequently seen in people over 50. However, a traumatic event can also cause it, meaning anyone at any age is potentially at risk.

Who’s At Risk For Stasis Dermatitis?

This condition is most common in women and in people over the age of 50. Several medical conditions can also increase your risk of developing it. For example, congestive heart failure and kidney failure can both increase your risk, as can venous insufficiency, a condition in which the valves that direct blood to the heart are weak. This can cause the blood to reverse course and instead flow back down the legs and potentially pool in the legs or feet. High blood pressure and obesity can also make you more prone to developing stasis dermatitis, as can having deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot typically occurring in the leg. Being sedentary is another risk factor, so if you don’t exercise much or you sit or stand for lengthy periods you might be more likely to develop stasis dermatitis. Medical events can also precipitate onset of the condition. This includes a leg injury, surgery to the leg and having had multiple pregnancies.

What Are The Symptoms of Stasis Dermatitis?

Stasis dermatitis can cause several uncomfortable symptoms such as itchy, scaly and/or discolored skin. You might also develop ulcers. These ulcers typically form around the ankle. Because stasis dermatitis is linked to venous insufficiency, you might exhibit symptoms associated with that condition as well. This includes swelling of the legs and pain and tenderness in the calf. You might also experience a heavy or achy feeling in your legs. Some of these symptoms worsen as the condition progresses. For example, your skin might turn darker or thicker or look lumpy. Over time these changes can become permanent. Also, the ulcers are often associated with later stages of the condition.

Don’t live with the pain and discomfort of stasis dermatitis. Make an appointment today with Alpha Vein Clinic, varicose veins experts in Las Vegas. Our skilled and caring staff can educate you about the causes and symptoms of stasis dermatitis and create a treatment plan that will bring you relief.