Varicose eczema, or stasis dermatitis: What you need to know
Stasis dermatitis or varicose eczema, is a kind of eczema, a skin disorder that can occur in people who have varicose veins. It happens because of poor circulation. It usually affects the lower legs, and sores may develop. Other names for the condition are gravitational dermatitis and venous eczema . It is most common in adults especially if a person is overweight. Studies suggest that 20 percent of people over the age of 70 years have it. Contents of this article: Symptoms Causes and risk factors Diagnosis and treatment Prevention and management Symptoms Stasis dermatitis happens when blood flow in the lower legs becomes compromised, and the valves in the veins weaken, causing a leakage of blood into body tissues. This is called venous insufficiency, and it can cause the symptoms of stasis dermatitis to develop. At first, symptoms will affect the ankles. There may be: Heavy or aching legs when standing for a prolon...