Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prescriptions for Stasis Dermatitis
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Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD about my stasis dermatitis?
Certainly! Our healthcare practitioner will engage in discussions about the symptoms and signs of stasis dermatitis you are experiencing and may conduct a thorough examination of the skin on your legs.
In certain instances, additional testing to assess blood flow in your legs may be recommended by the healthcare practitioner.
Once a clear diagnosis for stasis dermatitis is established, our healthcare team can recommend appropriate treatments tailored to your condition.
Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?
Absolutely! Our physicians can prescribe medications for stasis dermatitis online during your consultation. Upon accepting the prescription, you’ll have the flexibility to pick it up from any pharmacy or opt for convenient doorstep delivery at no extra cost.
What is stasis dermatitis?
Stasis dermatitis, also known as gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, and venous stasis dermatitis, is a type of dermatitis resulting from venous hypertension, often associated with poor blood flow.
Typically observed near the ankles, this condition occurs when blood pooling in the veins of the lower legs leads to increased pressure, causing damage to capillaries. This damage allows proteins to leak into tissues, resulting in the accumulation of excess fluid, proteins, and blood cells.
This accumulation leads to peripheral edema, or swelling in the legs, a condition known as venous insufficiency. When individuals with venous insufficiency experience fluid pooling in their legs, it manifests as stasis.
What are the symptoms of stasis dermatitis?
Stasis dermatitis symptoms predominantly appear on the lower legs and feet, with less frequent occurrences on other parts of the body. Common symptoms include:
- Swelling of the ankle or foot
- Orange-brown speckles of skin discoloration (referred to as “cayenne pepper spots”)
- Changes in lighter skin tones (redness, brown, purple, gray, or ashen)
- Scaling
- Itching
- Dryness
- Aching or heaviness, especially after extended periods of sitting or standing
Additionally, symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, such as leg swelling or calf pain, may also be present in some cases.
What causes stasis dermatitis?
The primary cause of stasis dermatitis is poor circulation, often stemming from venous insufficiency, a chronic condition. Several other conditions can contribute to or increase the risk of stasis dermatitis, including:
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
- Traumatic leg injuries
- Varicose veins
- Congestive heart failure
- Certain surgeries (e.g., leg vein removal during bypass surgery)
- Severe obesity
- Kidney failure
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Pregnancy
- Lack of exercise
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing without movement
How is stasis dermatitis diagnosed?
To diagnose stasis dermatitis, a healthcare practitioner will assess the signs and symptoms, focusing on the examination of the skin on the legs. Additional tests, such as a doppler ultrasound, may be recommended to evaluate blood flow in the legs.
Once a clear diagnosis is established, the healthcare provider will recommend stasis dermatitis treatments based on the underlying cause, including any necessary prescription medications.
How is stasis dermatitis treated?
Treatment often begins with lifestyle changes that can be implemented at home, such as:
- Elevating your feet when sitting
- Avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing without movement
- Wearing loose-fitting clothes to minimize skin irritation
- Using compression stockings
- Exercising as recommended
- Walking briskly for 10 minutes after each hour of sitting
- Weight management
In cases of severe symptoms, prescription medications like corticosteroid creams and ointments may be recommended. Addressing the underlying condition, if present, is also a crucial aspect of the treatment plan.
When to see a doctor for stasis dermatitis?
If signs of stasis dermatitis become apparent, seeking guidance from a healthcare practitioner from Laso MD is recommended. A healthcare provider can provide a clear diagnosis, suggest effective treatments, and offer lifestyle recommendations to manage symptoms.
Stasis dermatitis symptoms may persist without intervention, and a healthcare provider from Laso MD can assist in developing a comprehensive treatment plan, including any necessary prescription medications.
What is Laso MD?
Laso MD offers swift access to healthcare providers for discussing symptoms and obtaining a clear diagnosis. We are a healthcare app providing convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.
Simply log in, request a consultation with a tap, and we’ll promptly connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. Explore our How it Works page for further details.
Our healthcare team is equipped to assess symptoms and provide treatments, including prescriptions if deemed necessary.
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