Venous Stasis

What Is Venous Stasis?

Venous stasis—also called stasis dermatitis or venous eczema—is an inflammatory skin condition that develops when the leg veins are unable to circulate blood efficiently back to the heart.

When vein valves weaken or become damaged:

• Blood pools in the lower legs
• Pressure increases inside the veins
• Fluid leaks into the surrounding skin

Over time, this poor circulation leads to swelling, discoloration, irritation, and in advanced cases, venous stasis ulcers.

Venous stasis is most common in adults over age 50, particularly those with venous insufficiency, varicose veins, or a history of blood clots.

Early Symptoms of Venous Stasis

For many patients, the first sign of venous stasis is ankle swelling that improves overnight but returns the next day. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:

• Brown, reddish, or yellow discoloration around the ankles
• Itching, burning, or irritated skin
• Dry, scaly, or thickened skin on the shins and ankles
• Pain or heaviness in the legs
• Twisted or bulging varicose veins
• Crusted sores or oozing patches
• Hardening of the skin (lipodermatosclerosis)

Without treatment, venous stasis can progress to non-healing venous ulcers, a serious complication that requires urgent evaluation.

What Causes Venous Stasis?

Venous stasis is almost always the result of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a condition where the one-way valves in your veins no longer function properly. When these valves fail, blood flows backward and pools in the lower legs, raising pressure in the skin and surrounding tissues.

Risk factors include:

• Varicose veins
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Prior blood clots (DVT)
• Kidney disease
• Pregnancy
• Leg injuries or surgeries
• Long periods of standing or sitting

Not everyone with these conditions develops stasis dermatitis, but they significantly increase the likelihood.

Treatment Options for Venous Stasis

Venous stasis requires an approach that improves circulation, protects the skin, and prevents ulcer formation. Treatment may include:

Conservative Therapy

• Compression stockings to support blood flow
• Leg elevation above heart level to reduce swelling
• Exercise (walking, cycling, calf raises) to strengthen the calf muscle pump
• Weight management to reduce pressure on the veins
• Skin moisturizers to reduce inflammation and dryness

Medications

• Topical corticosteroids to control itching and inflammation
• Antibiotics if infection is present or suspected
• Blood thinners (if DVT is involved or high-risk)

Minimally Invasive Vein Procedures

These treatments target the underlying venous insufficiency, not just the skin changes:

• Endovenous laser ablation (EVLT)
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Sclerotherapy for smaller veins
• VenaSeal™ medical-grade vein adhesive

Treating faulty veins helps prevent worsening discoloration, skin hardening, and ulcer development.

Advanced Wound Care (if ulcers develop)

• Specialized wound dressings
• Compression wraps
• Debridement
• Negative pressure wound therapy (wound vac) — for deeper, slow-healing ulcers
• Skin grafting when needed

Prevention Strategies

If you have venous insufficiency or early signs of stasis dermatitis, these steps can help slow progression:

• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
• Wear compression stockings consistently
• Keep skin moisturized
• Elevate your legs daily
• Avoid smoking
• Manage chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes

Early treatment can prevent serious complications, including ulceration.

Get Help for Venous Stasis Dermatitis

If you are experiencing swelling, skin discoloration, itching, or early signs of stasis dermatitis, the vein specialists at BASS Vein Center are here to help. We serve patients throughout Brentwood, Walnut Creek, Danville, Antioch, Oakland, and the greater Northern California.

Schedule an evaluation today to protect your circulation and prevent future complications.