Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis
Synonyms	congestion eczema, gravitational dermatitis, gravitational eczema, stasis eczema, varicose eczema
Classification and external resources
Specialty	cardiology
ICD-10	I83.1
ICD-9-CM	454.1
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Stasis dermatitis refers to the skin changes that occur in the leg as a result of "stasis" or blood pooling from insufficient venous return; the alternative name of varicose eczema comes from a common cause of this being varicose veins.

Insufficient venous return results in increased pressure in the capillaries with the result that both fluid and cells may "leak" out of the capillaries. This results in red cells breaking down, with iron containing hemosiderin possibly contributing to the pathology of this entity.

The cracks and poor skin-condition of this disorder predisposes for the entry of bacterial infection causing spreading cellulitis infection in the leg. If the skin condition deteriorates further and breaks down, a venous ulcer (also known as a stasis ulcer) may form.

Treatment may consist of topical applications of steroid based creams and the use of to help force the underlying buildup of fluids back out of the lower leg or intermittent pneumatic compression pumps.

Stasis dermatitis (Gravitational eczema)

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