9 Main Treatment Options for Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis is caused by poor vein circulation in the lower legs, which causes swelling and itching. Find out what you can do to get rid of your symptoms.

1. Put your feet up

Get in the habit of sleeping with your legs propped up on multiple pillows. We sleep for six to eight hours every day, so keeping the blood circulating when we're sleeping is a huge plus!

2. Try laser therapy

Medical intervention may be required to permanently heal your stasis dermatitis. The true culprit is inadequate deep veins that have developed over time. The skin is an "innocent bystander" that becomes irritated and ulcerated as a result of the leaky veins' continuous pressure.

As a result, every treatment must be aimed at the source of the problem: the veins. Laser therapy for defective deep veins has made significant progress for most patients. Consider talking to a vein specialist about this option, as it might turn out to be your best bet.

3. Get moving

Patients with stasis dermatitis can also benefit from exercise. This aids the veins in returning blood to the heart. You'll often see me doing my "covert" leg exercises to prevent leaky veins while standing in line at the grocery store or on the phone!

4. Avoid foods that cause you to retain fluids

You can retain water if you eat foods that are heavy in sodium. Fast food and processed foods like lunch meat, crackers, chips, canned veggies, and soups, for example, may all cause fluid retention.

Spices and herbs, for example, are tasty sodium substitutes. Additionally, learn to read labels carefully, as salt or sodium-containing chemicals such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), baking soda, and sodium nitrate are just a few to avoid. While salt is still a significant element in fluid retention, it isn't the only one.

5. Lose weight

Excess weight, particularly obesity, can induce venous stasis dermatitis by causing leaky veins. Consider walking, jogging for 30 minutes several times a week, or riding a stationary bike to enhance blood flow in the legs. You'll improve blood flow while also possibly losing weight.

6. Don't stand or sit around too long

Poor vein circulation in the lower legs causes stasis dermatitis. Swelling, scaling, and dryness, as well as leg pains and redness, are all symptoms of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association; more severe cases may include oozing and infection.

Regrettably, a common practice may exacerbate the problem. Standing or sitting for long periods of time can aggravate the issue. Follow these simple actions to help your body recover from a day of sitting.

7. Moisturize your skin

Simple topicals with few allergies, such as Vaseline, Vanicream, or Cerave products, can moisturize and keep the skin healthy. Try some all-natural moisturizers to begin. If the irritation persists, judicious application of topical steroids under the supervision of your doctor may be beneficial.

8. Try some supplements

Patients might try adding rutin and vitamin C to their diets, as both are beneficial to vein health. Vitamin C is required for the development of collagen and elastin, both of which are necessary for healthy, elastic blood vessels, according to the Vein and Vascular Institute in New Jersey. Citrus fruits, as well as broccoli, berries, potatoes, and tomatoes, contain this anti-inflammatory vitamin. There are many more; these other meals can also naturally enhance collagen levels.

9. Try a compression hose

It is critical to utilize a compression hose on a regular basis. Knee-high types are considerably inferior to thigh-high varieties. Wearing graduated compression stockings to facilitate the return of fluid from the lower leg to the circulation is common for long-term treatment of stasis dermatitis.