Stasis dermatitis--any RN's out there?!

bananafish,
As you are probably aware, Stasis Dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease that occurs on the lower extremities in patients with chronic venous insufficiency with venous hypertension. so, your statement that you are "slowly developing varicose veins' is inaccurate! Stasis dermatitis typically affects middle-aged and elderly patients. Stasis dermatitis is usually the earliest cutaneous sequela of venous insufficiency, and it may be a precursor to more problematic conditions, such as venous leg ulceration and lipodermatosclerosis. Topical treatment of stasis dermatitis has much in common with the treatment of other forms of acute eczematous dermatitis. Weeping lesions can be treated with wet-to-damp gauze dressings soaked with water or with a drying agent, such as aluminum acetate. Topical corticosteroids are frequently used for reducing inflammation and itching in acute flares; mid-potency corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone 0.1% ointment, are generally effective. Be wary of the use of high-potency topical corticosteroids in stasis dermatitis because the chronically inflamed skin can increase the risk of systemic absorption and because steroid-induced cutaneous atrophy can predispose the patient to ulceration. Furthermore, prolonged use of topical steroids can lead to decreased efficacy of the steroid, a phenomenon known as tachyphylaxis. Systemic corticosteroids are not part of stasis dermatitis treatment, although they may be required in very severe cases of widespread autoeczematization. The nonsteroidal calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and pimecrolimus may prove to be useful tools in the management of stasis dermatitis. Although these topical medications are approved only for atopic dermatitis, they have been shown to be effective in many steroid-responsive dermatoses. Because the calcineurin inhibitors do not carry the risks of skin atrophy or tachyphylaxis, they have the potential to become valuable agents in the treatment of chronic dermatoses such as stasis dermatitis. You ask if your condition requires immediate treatment or if you should wait until your appointment in April. This will depend on the condition of the ‘brown patches’ or lesions and whether they are stable or if they are suppurating – weeping. If they are stable, you would be advised to treat them with care, try not to damage or scratch the legs. If the lesions are not stable, you would be advised to obtain a medical consultation so that treatment may be commenced if required.



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It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.


The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Hope this helps
matador 89