Venous Stasis Dermatitis is an advanced form of vein disease that
presents itself primarily on the skin in the lower regions of the leg.
It is commonly misdiagnosed as a dermatological condition and people
who suffer with it often go years without knowing that it is actually
underlying vein disease that is causing the problem.
Venous Stasis Dermatitis occurs when blood becomes trapped in the
lower leg and pressure begins to build inside the vein — a medical
condition called venous insufficiency or vein disease. Left unchecked,
this pressure can cause the vein to leak fluid and blood cells into
surrounding tissue and other smaller branch veins. When this happens,
skin becomes discolored and itchy, which leads to scratching of the area
and subsequent skin deterioration. It is a nasty snowball effect where
skin can become cracked, swollen, weepy or crusted. Left unchecked
still, it can lead to the development of venous stasis ulcers.Signs of Venous Stasis Dermatitis:
- Feelings of heaviness, tiredness, achiness, restlessness
- Thinner skin in lower region of the leg (especially near ankles)
- Itchy, dry, cracked, scaly skin
- Skin discoloration
- Swollen, weepy or crusted areas
- Thickening, leather-like appearance (in more advanced stages)