About this condition
Stasis dermatitis is inflammation of the lower-leg skin linked to impaired chronic venous return. It is also known as venous eczema. Changes often appear near the ankles: the skin may itch, scale, redden or darken. Appearance alone cannot confirm that a rash is caused by venous disease.
Recognising possible venous eczema
Brown patches, flaking, itching, weeping, crusting and leg swelling may occur. Varicose veins can also be present. With time, the skin and deeper tissues may become firmer. Scratching and minor trauma can create cracks and increase the risk of infection.
Skin inflammation or infection?
Contact allergy, fungal disease and bacterial skin infection can look similar. Redness that spreads rapidly, becomes hot and painful, or occurs with fever or feeling unwell requires prompt medical attention. Using antibiotics or potent steroid creams without assessment can delay an accurate diagnosis.
Why skin cream alone may not be enough
When venous eczema is confirmed, care addresses both skin inflammation and the underlying venous problem. A doctor may recommend gentle skin care, appropriate topical treatment, duplex ultrasound or carefully selected compression. Dermatology assessment may be needed if the diagnosis is uncertain.
Signs and symptoms
- Dryness, itching, scaling and redness on the lower legs.
- Brown patches, weeping or crusts near the ankles.
- Possible swelling, visible veins or gradual hardening of the skin.
These findings are not specific to venous eczema. Other skin diseases and infection require consideration.
Diagnosis and tests
A clinician examines where the rash occurs, how long it has been present, swelling, veins, skin breaks and possible infection signs. Duplex ultrasound or arterial circulation checks may be appropriate. Dermatology review is useful when the cause is unclear.
Care and treatment approaches
Treatment depends on the confirmed cause. Gentle moisturising care, clinician-directed topical medicines and management of venous disease may help. Medical compression should be considered only after appropriate circulation assessment. Do not self-prescribe antibiotics or strong topical steroids.
When to seek urgent care
Seek prompt medical care if redness spreads quickly, the area becomes hot and painful, fever develops, an open wound appears or general health worsens. Sudden swelling of one leg also needs assessment for possible thrombosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is stasis dermatitis contagious?
Stasis dermatitis itself is not a contagious infection, but other disorders can look similar, so the cause should be confirmed.
Is moisturiser enough to treat venous eczema?
Skin care matters, but proven venous disease also requires assessment and management of the circulation problem.
Does redness on the leg always require antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infection, not every form of skin inflammation. A clinician must evaluate the cause.
Information sources
Medical source links used when preparing this article.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
