Venous stasis dermatitis is a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting the skin of the lower legs. You could be at risk if you’ve been struggling with varicose veins, swelling, or leg pain.
The good news is that venous stasis dermatitis is treatable, especially when caught early. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options is the first step toward healthier veins and skin.
Let’s explore what venous stasis dermatitis is, who’s most at risk, and how you can take action to protect your legs and overall health.
Note: If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, or other symptoms of vein problems, don’t delay seeking professional care. Early intervention not only alleviates symptoms but also helps prevent long-term damage. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule a vein consultation online at a CVR near you today.
What Is Venous Stasis Dermatitis?
Venous stasis dermatitis occurs when the skin—usually on the lower legs—becomes swollen or inflamed. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this leg swelling, also known as gravitational dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, or venous eczema, often happens as we age.
Why?
As we age, the veins that normally send blood back to the heart to get more oxygen stretch out and struggle to return blood from the legs to the heart. Blood collects and pools in the lower legs. Fluid from the pooled blood seeps into the surrounding tissues, creating internal pressure on the skin. This pressure triggers the symptoms of stasis dermatitis, including skin problems, swelling, pressure, redness, itchiness, and a feeling of leg heaviness.
Think You Have Venous Stasis Dermatitis? Trust America’s Expert in Vein Care
Trust the team that sets the standard nationwide when it comes to vein health. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is America’s expert in vein care, offering advanced treatments for conditions like venous stasis dermatitis, varicose veins, and chronic venous insufficiency.
With a team of compassionate, board-certified vein specialists and state-of-the-art technology, CVR is here to help you achieve healthier, pain-free legs. Don’t wait to get the care you deserve—schedule your consultation today! Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative, or schedule online below.
What Are the Symptoms of Venous Stasis Dermatitis?
The earliest signs of venous stasis dermatitis include:
Orange-brown discoloration on the lower legs caused by leaking blood from tiny vessels.
Dry, scaly, or crusty skin that may itch or feel tight.
Redness and swelling around the ankles or lower legs.
As the condition worsens, you may notice:
Thickened, hardened skin that becomes more difficult to treat.
Open, oozing sores or ulcers on the legs, which are at risk of infection.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, consult a CVR vein doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent complications like chronic wounds or infections.
Who Is at Risk for Venous Stasis Dermatitis?
Certain factors increase your likelihood of developing venous insufficiency and related conditions like venous stasis dermatitis:
Age: As mentioned earlier, older adults are more likely to experience weakening vein valves.
Varicose Veins: These visible vein problems are often the first sign of poor circulation.
Hypertension and Chronic Conditions: High blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease can exacerbate venous issues.
Females: Being assigned female at birth, having had multiple pregnancies, and being over age 50 increases one’s risk, according to the National Eczema Association.
Obesity: Extra body weight puts additional strain on your veins.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting or standing for long periods reduces blood flow, increasing vein pressure.
History of Blood Clots: Clots in the veins can damage valves, worsening circulation issues.
Pregnancy, genetics, and prior leg injuries also contribute to vein problems. Knowing your risk factors can help you take proactive steps to avoid complications.
Don’t Wait to Get the Vein Care You Need!
Your legs deserve expert care—That’s where Center for Vein Restoration comes in. Whether you’re seeking relief from varicose veins or addressing venous stasis dermatitis, our team has the knowledge and tools to make a difference. Take the first step toward healthier legs today by scheduling a consultation at one of CVR’s convenient locations.
A qualified CVR vein doctor can diagnose venous stasis dermatitis through a physical exam and diagnostic tests such as ultrasound imaging. This non-invasive test checks blood flow and identifies underlying vein problems, such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
How Is Venous Stasis Dermatitis Treated?
Treatment targets both symptoms of the skin and the root cause: venous insufficiency (also known as vein disease). Your board-certified Center for Vein Restoration vein expert offers a full spectrum of vein care, from conservative measures to cutting-edge treatments tailored to your needs.
Your CVR vein specialist may recommend the following:
Lifestyle Changes: Elevate your legs, exercise regularly, and avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
Topical Medications: Steroid creams and emollients can soothe itching and inflammation.
Minimally invasive Treatment Options: Outpatient vein procedures may be necessary for advanced cases. These treatments close damaged veins, allowing blood to reroute to healthier ones. These include:
Sclerotherapy
Radiofrequency ablation
Laser ablation
VenaSeal
Preventing Venous Stasis Dermatitis
Taking steps to maintain healthy veins can reduce your risk of developing venous stasis dermatitis. Follow these tips:
Stay Active – Walk regularly and stretch your legs to promote circulation.
Maintain a Healthy Weight – Extra weight increases vein pressure, so focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing – Take breaks to move around during long periods of inactivity.
Use Compression Stockings – These can help manage swelling and prevent blood pooling.
See an Experienced Vein Specialist – Routine check-ups can catch vein problems early when treatment is most effective.
Why Choose the Center for Vein Restoration?
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is America’s expert in vein care, providing comprehensive solutions for vein disease, venous insufficiency, and related conditions like venous stasis dermatitis. With a compassionate team of vein specialists and access to the latest treatments, CVR makes your vein health a priority.
CVR accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield—so expert care is more accessible to you than you may realize.
Take Action for Your Vein Health Today
Don’t let venous stasis dermatitis or other vein problems hold you back. If you’re experiencing symptoms like leg pain, swelling, or skin changes, now is the time to act. Contact Center for Vein Restoration for a personalized care plan that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying cause of your vein issues.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative, or schedule your consultation online. With CVR by your side, you can prevent complications, find relief, and enjoy healthier legs for years to come.
CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.