What Is Stasis Dermatitis?

Sedimentary dermatitis is also known as silty eczema, varicose eczema, gravity eczema, and low tension dermatitis. Follicular dermatitis is a chronic redness, scaly, itchy, and swollen (inflammation) skin disease of the lower extremities, often with dark brown skin pigmentation. Prone to occur in patients with varicose veins and edema.

Basic Information

nickname

Stasis eczema, varicose eczema, gravity eczema, low tension dermatitis

English name

Stasis Dermatitis

Visiting department

dermatology

Multiple groups

Patients with varicose veins and edema

Common locations

Lower limb

Common causes

Related to varicose veins of the lower extremities, but also secondary to venous occlusion after thrombophlebitis

Common symptoms

Chronic flushing, scaly, itchy and swollen (inflamed) skin disorders of the lower limbs, often with dark brown skin pigmentation

Causes of silty dermatitis

The incidence is related to varicose veins of the lower extremities. For long-term standers, heavy manual workers or women with multiple pregnancy, pelvic varicose veins can be secondary to venous occlusion after thrombophlebitis in addition to weak congenital vein walls and venous valve defects .

It is believed to be related to venous hypertension causing arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous short circuit in the affected area. It is also believed that the increased blood pressure of the venous system expands local capillaries, widens the gap between endothelial cells and allows fibrin to penetrate into the stroma, and fibrin forms a barrier around the capillaries, causing local skin tissue hypoxia and malnutrition. After varicose veins, venous return is blocked and blood flow is slowed and reversed, causing venous congestion. The blood oxygen content and nutrients are reduced, capillary permeability is increased, fluids, proteins, red blood cells, and metabolites penetrate into the tissue, forming edema. Slow blood flow induces infiltration of inflammatory cells, chronic inflammation produces itching or paresthesia, and the disease occurs when irritations such as scratching, friction or trauma occur.

Clinical manifestations of silty dermatitis

Silty dermatitis often occurs in the feet and ankles. Itchy skin, erythema, mild scales, and dark brown skin a few weeks or months later. Subcutaneous congestion is often overlooked and can cause edema to worsen secondary infections and eventually cause severe skin damage (ulcer formation).

Generally, the onset is slow, and mild edema begins to appear in the lower third of the calf. It can subside after rest and reappear after standing or walking for a long time. Gradually round erythema or brown-red patches, sometimes purpuric-like patches, conscious itching is obvious, often scratching erosion and crusting. Over time, the skin becomes rough, desquamated, thickened, and cleft, showing mossy-like damage, and even keloid-like hardness. Repeated attacks or exacerbations, especially in winter.

Diagnosis of silty dermatitis

According to the location of the disease and the characteristics of the lesion, chronic trauma accompanied by varicose veins of the lower limbs is generally not difficult to diagnose.

Stasis dermatitis treatment

General therapy

First, control venous hypertension. Treat as early as possible, raise the affected limb at rest, and avoid long standing or heavy physical labor. People with varicose veins can be bandaged with elastic bandages, and those with severe varicose veins can undergo surgical ligation or other treatments. Take care to avoid scratching and breaking secondary infections.

2. Systemic Therapy

Antihistamines can be taken orally to relieve itching, and traditional Chinese medicines for promoting blood circulation and removing stasis to promote circulation. Local infections can be controlled with antibiotics, such as penicillin, cephalosporins, or quinolones.

3. Topical Therapy

According to the principle of topical application of eczema, a combination of glucocorticoid cream and moisturizing moisturizer can be used in the case of ulcers and infections. 1: 8000 potassium permanganate solution or 0.1% to 0.5% ethacridine (Ir) Wet compress, after the secretion is reduced, topical antibiotic ointment such as mupirocin (more than 100 states) or surgical dressing change.