Stasis dermatitis treatment combines the use of prescription medications, over-the-counter products and lifestyle modifications.
What Is Stasis Dermatitis?
Stasis dermatitis is a type of eczema that is also known as venous eczema or gravitational dermatitis.
What Causes Stasis Dermatitis?
The main cause for stasis dermatitis is venous insufficiency. This results in poor blood circulation and pooling of blood in the legs. Triggers for stasis dermatitis include the following:
*Varicose veins
*Conditions like congestive heart failure
*Being overweight
What Are The Symptoms Of Stasis Dermatitis?
Symptoms of stasis dermatitis include skin discoloration, itching and sores on the legs.
Stasis Dermatitis Diagnosis
Stasis dermatitis diagnosis is made after our Doctor listens to the patient’s history and examines their skin.
Stasis Dermatitis Treatment
Stasis dermatitis treatment is a combination of prescription medications, over-the-counter products and lifestyle modifications.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications used to treat stasis dermatitis include corticosteroid creams and calcineurin inhibitors.
It is important to note that reversing stasis dermatitis involves treating its triggers. Therefore it has been triggered by varicose veins, these should be treated by sclerotherapy, laser therapy or vein stripping.
Over-The-Counter Products
Moisturizing ointments like Emulsifying Ointment are used to treat stasis dermatitis. Emulsifying Ointment softens and soothes the skin. It also prevent water loss from the skin by forming a protective barrier on the skin which locks in moisture.
Emulsifying Ointment is one of the best creams for stasis dermatitis as it does not irritate the skin because it is fragrance free and color free.
Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call/Whatsapp 0721 963 156 for countrywide delivery.
Ovelle Emulsifying Ointment is another good brand which can be purchased from Amazon.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications used to treat stasis dermatitis include the following:
*Wearing compression stockings is actually first line treatment for stasis dermatitis because it improves circulation in the legs.
*Reducing swelling in the legs by not standing for long, elevating the feet when sitting and elevating the foot of the bed when sleeping.
FAQ
What Are The Stasis Dermatitis Home Remedies?
Home remedies for stasis dermatitis include elevating the legs above the heart for 15 minutes every 2 hours. You can do this by lying down and placing the legs on pillows. If you must stand or sit for long, take 10 minute walks every hour.
Ensure that you also exercise the legs by walking because this strengthens the calf muscles which improves the circulation of blood.
In addition, avoid materials that can irritate the skin like wool, polyester and rayon.
To treat stasis dermatitis at home, ensure that the skin is well moisturized with an emollient like Emulsifying Ointment. Stasis dermatitis self-care involves applying healing ointments that are fragrance free and dye free several times a day and after every bath or shower. Ovelle Emulsifying Ointment is another good option and it can be purchased from Amazon.
Can Stasis Dermatitis Go Away?
Stasis dermatitis does not go away without treatment. If treated adequately, stasis dermatitis is curable provided that the underlying venous insufficiency has resolved.
What Antibiotics Treat Stasis Dermatitis?
Antibiotics are used to treat stasis dermatitis if there is a secondary bacterial infection. These include topical antibiotics applied on the skin like Mupirocin and oral antibiotics that our Doctor can prescribe.
Is Stasis Dermatitis Dangerous?
Stasis dermatitis can become dangerous if it becomes infected and the infection is not treated as it can spread. This can result in stasis dermatitis complications like cellulitis and ulcers that do not heal.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Used For Stasis Dermatitis?
According to the National Eczema Association, apple cider vinegar is POSSSIBLY beneficial to persons with eczema and statis dermatitis is a type of eczema. Some people do use apple cider vinegar for stasis dermatitis but I do not recommend using it.