Everyone knows that veins are the purplish structures that run just under the skin and…
What is Venous Stasis?
Our team of board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists treats venous insufficiencies, both therapeutically and cosmetically, such as varicose veins. Another common venous disorder that affects both how your legs look and feel is venous stasis.
If you have scaly, itchy, irritated skin on your lower legs, and poor circulation, you might have venous stasis.
What is venous stasis?
Venous stasis, also known as stasis dermatitis or venous eczema, is an inflammatory condition that results from vein malfunction or pooled blood beneath the skin. When veins have difficulty pumping blood from the lower extremities, typically the legs, back up to the heart, pools can form that become stagnant which may lead to a chronic itchy, irritated feeling and appearance on the skin.
It’s estimated that nearly 20 million people in the U.S. who are over 50 years old suffer from venous stasis.
What are common symptoms of venous stasis?
The most common symptom of venous stasis is the presence of scaly, irritated, red or discolored skin on the legs.
Additionally, you may feel a combination of:
- Itchiness or irritation on the skin
- Swollen or heavy-feeling legs or ankles
- Chronic aches and pains throughout the legs
Those with venous stasis may also experience varicose veins, bulging and swollen veins, or non-healing wounds and ulcers that stem from the irritated skin.
If these severe wounds or ulcers form and are left untreated, they could become infected and cause serious health issues, such as damaged tissue or even loss of limbs.
Who is at risk for venous stasis?
Anyone who has poor circulation or high blood pressure could be at risk for developing venous stasis. Other common risk factors that may contribute to venous stasis are:
- A family history of blood clots or other deep venous disorders, like DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- Personal past experience with blood clots
- A traumatic injury to the lower legs
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Prolonged sitting, standing or inactivity
- Pregnancy
Treatment for Venous Stasis
When treating venous stasis, our vein experts will work with you to help make your skin feel more comfortable and look more clear.
Your treatment may combine a number of therapies to help reduce pain and swelling as well as soothe irritated skin, such as:
- Wearing compression stockings
- Applying topical steroid creams and moisturizers
- Elevating your legs regularly above your heart to promote healthier blood flow
- Engaging in frequent and light exercise, like walking, to reduce swelling
In severe cases, in-office procedures like endovenous ablation or phlebectomy may be needed to remove the damaged veins causing this chronic skin irritation.
Both of these procedures are conveniently performed on an outpatient basis in our clinics with minimal pain and little to no downtime.
Contact VeinSolutions for Your Consultation Today
Our board-certified vascular surgeons and vein specialists are skilled in both cosmetic and therapeutic treatments for varicose veins while dedicated to enhancing your overall circulatory health.
To schedule an appointment with a vein specialist in Austin, please contact us here or call 512.452.VEIN (8346), or 512.501.4287 for our clinic in Georgetown, and 512.651.8420 for Kyle.
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