Could Your Itchy Eczema be a Sign of Venous Problems?
- Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D.
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Stasis dermatitis, also known as venous eczema, is a skin condition that primarily affects the lower legs of older individuals.
Venous eczema occurs when there is poor blood flow in the veins, leading to increased pressure and inflammation in the skin.
This condition is often associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where the veins struggle to return blood from the legs to the heart.
If your legs itch—and you have patches of eczema—think veins!
Jump to a Certain Section
Causes of Stasis Dermatitis (Venous Eczema)
Stasis dermatitis is caused by venous hypertension, which results from incompetent venous valves, valve destruction, or venous obstruction. This leads to retrograde blood flow, causing swelling and skin changes.
Factors such as older age, female sex, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, heart failure, and a family history of venous disease can increase the risk of developing stasis dermatitis.
Symptoms of Stasis Dermatitis
The symptoms of stasis dermatitis include:
Skin discoloration
Itching
Dryness
Scaling
The affected areas often appear red and swollen, and the skin may become thickened and leathery.
In severe cases, stasis dermatitis can lead to venous ulcers, which are painful sores that can be difficult to heal.
Are you dealing with the effects of stasis dermatitis (venous eczema)? If so, it's time to consult a specialist.
Diagnosing Stasis Dermatitis
Diagnosing stasis dermatitis involves a clinical evaluation of the affected skin and the patient's medical history.
If the diagnosis is inconclusive, duplex ultrasound (a non-invasive imaging test) can be used to assess venous reflux and identify potential venous obstructions.
In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis, where a small tissue sample is taken and examined.
Treatments for Stasis Dermatitis
One of the cornerstones of treatment for stasis dermatitis has historically been compression therapy, which helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
Compression stockings or bandages are commonly used, although adherence to this treatment can be challenging.
Treating venous reflux with in-office procedures, treats the underlying cause. Getting treatment sooner than later will help prevent progression of this uncomfortable condition.
Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids and emollients, can help alleviate skin symptoms like itching and dryness.
Reference
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2023) 24:275–286 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-022-00753-5
Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Legs
If you have restlessness, heaviness, aching, swelling, throbbing, or itchiness in your legs—or you notice varicose veins or spider veins—give us a call at 877-432-2184.
If you'd prefer to schedule online, click here, and take the first step toward healthier, happier legs.
If you have any questions about this article, please put them in the comments below. We'll get back as soon as we can.
Thanks for reading!
Explore More of the Miller Vein Blog ✅
Explore expert insights on vein health, treatment options, and wellness tips. Stay informed, and take the next step toward happier, healthier legs!
Check out our YouTube Channel ▶️
Easily digestible video content that expands your understanding of vein conditions and their treatments.
Comments