skin disorders
Stasis Dermatitis
Symptoms of Stasis Dermatitis
At first, the skin is itchy, red, scaly, and thickened, usually on the shins. Eventually, areas of the skin may break down and form an open sore (ulcer). Ulcers sometimes become infected with bacteria, causing Cellulitis (a bacterial infection of the skin), and are usually painful. When chronic venous insufficiency is the cause, the skin can turn yellow-brown, Varicose Veins (dilated, twisted veins) usually develop, and the skin may become hard, thick, painful, and tender. This complication is called lipodermatosclerosis. Lipodermatosclerosis gives the lower leg an inverted bowling pin shape with enlargement of the calf and narrowing at the ankle. 