Stasis dermatitis is a very common inflammatory condition of the skin. It is brought about by the pooling of blood in the lower extremities, which results in the swelling of the legs and ankles. This causes the skin to become inflamed.
The affected areas appear darkened and scaly. Sometimes skin ulcerations also form. Heaviness of the legs may be felt especially upon standing up. Itchiness is present but scratching has to be avoided because it can cause the skin to crack, which may lead to an infection that can make everything worse.
Controlling stasis dermatitis is of utmost importance. Otherwise, various changes in the skin may become permanent and even deteriorate. For instance, affected skin areas may become thicker and harder, as well as turn dark-brown in color. Eventually, sores may form. If the problem progresses further, even the bones may become infected.
One’s risk of stasis dermatitis increases with the passing of time because of the effects of aging to the blood vessels. People with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular system problems are at risk as well.
Pregnant women and obese individuals may also end up with stasis dermatitis. People whose respective jobs require them to stand up for long periods of time are at risk, too. It’s also not unlikely for smokers to have stasis dermatitis due to the damaging effects of smoking to the blood vessels and heart.
Treatment for stasis dermatitis varies, depending on the root cause of it. Being seen by a doctor allows for the proper identification of the underlying cause as well as the appropriate treatment for it.
Stasis dermatitis may also be controlled with the help of a few natural remedies, some of which can be found below.
Elevate the Legs
When sitting or lying down, consider placing your legs higher than the heart level. Doing so will help keep the blood from pooling in the lower extremities, relieving pressure as well as the symptoms of stasis dermatitis.
Put on Compression Stockings
It’s also a good idea to don a pair of compression stockings as it can help tremendously in warding off swelling of the ankles and legs. This remedy is especially beneficial for those who need to stand up for extended periods of time.
Apply Aloe Vera Juice
Many people with stasis dermatitis swear by the effectiveness of applying aloe vera juice on their legs in easing the signs and symptoms associated with stasis dermatitis. Just make sure that the aloe vera juice is 100 percent pure.
Massage Apple Cider Vinegar
Similarly, you may also regularly massage a small amount of apple cider vinegar on your lower extremities. This can help in improving blood circulation, relieve pressure and ease the effects of stasis dermatitis on your skin.
Take an Oatmeal Bath
At the end of a tiring day, fill your bathtub with water and dissolve a cup of ground oatmeal in it. Soak in it for several minutes to help improve blood circulation to the legs, as well alleviate the signs and symptoms of stasis dermatitis.
Go for Cool and Wet Compresses
You can quickly attain relief from the discomfort and itchiness associated with stasis dermatitis with the help of cool and wet compresses. All you have to do is soak small pieces of cloth to cool water and place them on affected areas.
Have Heart-Friendly Meals
It’s important to opt for meals that are high in fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats, and low in unhealthy fats and sodium. This can help improve your cardiovascular system, thus allowing for the better management of the problem.
Eliminate Excess Pounds
Being overweight or obese puts you at risk of having stasis dermatitis, or cause exacerbation of the skin condition if you already have it. Due to this, you should do your best to make those unwanted body pounds go away.
Quit Cigarette Smoking
If you are a smoker, it is definitely a good idea for you to ditch your bad habit. Smoking is something that can have all sorts of nasty effects on your health, including damage to the blood vessels which can cause stasis dermatitis.
