What do do for stasis dermatitis?

Stasis: The overall mainstay of treatment has always been aimed at lessening the clinical impact of the underlying venous insufficiency, which is typically accomplished with compression therapy. Assessing the patient's peripheral arterial circulation (clinically or with a doppler study) before recommending compression therapy is important.

Reduce pressure: As dr. Fisher said, the mainstay of treatment for stasis dermatitis is compression. The issue is that venous insufficiency causes venous hypertension which causes inflammation, skin changes, swelling, and pain. Compression reduces the pressure in the short term but what really needs to happen is that the venous insufficiency needs to be corrected. This can be done by seeing a vein specialist.

Protect: Avoid things that make you break out, soaps & wetness. Wash your hands only when necessary. Wear gloves when needed. Wear clothes made of cotton. Bathe only with a small amount of mild unscented soap, such as dove. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Use the medicine your doctor gave you. Use a plain moisturizer daily. Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area. Manage stress.

End stage change: Stasis dermatitis is one of the complications, or end stage changes of varicose venous disease and/or chronic venous insufficiency. It represents a brownish, brawny discoloration, and usual thickening, of the skin in the distal calf, in the gaiter distribution (the area just above the medial or lateral ankle). Untreated it can progress to venous stasis ulceration, which can be very hard to treat.

Discolored skin: Venous insufficiency ("leaky vein valves") or vein blockage can lead to increases in venous pressure in the legs. As a result of this, the skin can become discolored (reddened acutely or brown chronically). These skin changes are described as stasis dermatitis. See a Vascular Surgeon to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan