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Stasis Dermatitis

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What is Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis Dermatitis is a form of dermatitis that is characterized by swelling of the legs in addition to other symptoms like rough and dry skin that is inflamed, red and scaly. It can occur at any age.

Symptoms of Stasis Dermatitis

* Stasis Dermatitis is very painful and in certain severe cases of Stasis Dermatitis, there could be erosions, crusting and oozing from the affected part of the body which is a big cause of embarrassment for the patient.

* There is a noticeable buildup of fluid in the legs due to poor circulation, which causes swelling and a painful sensation.

* There can be many other reasons behind the onset of Stasis Dermatitis. It might also be caused by malfunction of the veins or heart disease.

* Stasis Dermatitis is more prevalent in the higher age group and is seen more often amongst women especially in those over the age group of fifty.

Treatment of Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis Dermatitis responds well to treatment when the patient understands its causes and takes effective steps to overcome them. Correct understanding of Stasis Dermatitis is an important key to its management.

Since one of the symptoms of Stasis Dermatitis is swelling of legs that gets worse by standing for a long time ,care should be taken that adequate rest is taken in between these standing periods. Clothing worn by the person should permit free circulation so that fluid accumulation does not take place in legs. Keeping the legs raised while sitting also helps in keeping the fluid level under control.

Application of hydrocortisone cream, which is a readily available over the counter, helps in reducing the symptoms and controlling the problem. If there is crusting and oozing from the affected part it can be covered lightly after the application of the lotions or ointments.

Since stasis dermatitis causes swelling and itching in the leg, it becomes embarrassing for the patient to be seen and thus causes many psychological problems also. Resorting to the steps mentioned above bring an improvement. Despite all measures, if it is noticed that there is still no change over a long period of time, it is advised to take recourse to proper medical help in getting the right medication and advice.

In certain cases of Stasis Dermatitis there may also be other complications like more pain or infection in the affected area which causes an increase in redness or inflammation or at times, even fever. One should not neglect such symptoms which are a sign of more severe form of Stasis Dermatitis that needs expert guidance and more potent treatment.

Complications generally happen because the patient tends to neglect this disease when the symptoms reduce. Medication and care should not be stopped even after symptoms improve until the disease is totally eradicated. A high quality of personal hygiene and the following of a strict regimen under proper medical advice is the only way to overcome the trauma of Stasis Dermatitis.