Pooling of blood in lower extremities leads to swelling of ankles and legs. The skin is inflamed, and medically this condition is termed as stasis dermatitis.
What Is Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin caused due to poor circulation. The affected area becomes scaly, dark and may form ulcers. It mostly affects the lower extremities. Legs seem heavy, and there is itchiness. Scratching causes the skin to crack and leads to infection.
What Causes Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is also known as venous eczema. It mainly affects the lower leg due to the reduced blood supply. This condition affects elderly who are 50 years old or above. Women are more prone to it in comparison to males due to the effect of pregnancy and weight gain. People who are at risk of developing venous eczema are who have following health conditions:
kidney failure
Venous insufficiency
varicose veins
Lack of exercise
excess body fat
Heart diseases
Hypertension
Standing for a long time
Deep vein thrombosis
Heel fissures are typically caused by extremely dry skin. These deep, painful cracks usually form on the bottom of the heel, sometimes making it painful to walk. They are often secondary to callus formation, which occurs with repetitive friction such as from walking barefoot or from a strap on the back of your shoe rubbing you the wrong way. Stasis dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin caused due to poor circulation. The affected area becomes scaly, dark and may form ulcers. It mostly affects the lower extremities. Legs seem heavy, and there is itchiness.
As stasis dermatitis progresses, the skin will become red and irritated, crack when scratched, and become crusted or weepy — often mistaken for cellulitis. Some skin changes such as thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles (lipodermatosclerosis), bumpy or cobblestone skin appearance, and dark brown colored skin will become.
What are the Symptoms Of Stasis dermatitis
Symptoms of stasis dermatitis include:
Itching
Swelling around the ankles
Redness
Infection
Discolored skin
Leg ache
Scaling and dryness
Skin ulcers and cracking
Shiny skin
Oozing
Stasis dermatitis affects only one leg and in most of the cases is accompanied by varicose veins.
As we age the symptoms of stasis dermatitis gets worse. It is essential to control it, or it may lead to permanent damage and bone infection. There are specific over the counter medications and surgery to treat stasis dermatitis. But if you are more inclined towards a natural cure, we have listed top 8 home remedies for stasis dermatitis. Have a look.
Top 8 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Stasis Dermatitis
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is an ancient home remedy to treat skin diseases. It has hydrating and cooling properties. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial. Aloe vera is rich in minerals and vitamins. It is a natural smoothening and calming agent that helps to get rid of burning sensation, itch and skin inflammation.
Stasis Cracks
What to do
Extract gel of fresh aloe vera leaf. Apply the gel to the affected area. Repeat this every day 2-3 times in a day.
Oatmeal Bath
One of the most preferred stasis dermatitis treatment is an oatmeal It relieves burning sensation and inflammation. It improves blood circulation and treats the infection.
What to do
Add a cup of oatmeal to a bathtub filled with water. Soak yourself in it for 20 minutes. Repeat this every day to get rid of stasis dermatitis.
Honey
Honey is soothing a natural anti-oxidant. It will make your skin itch free and inflammation free. Honey works like a wonder for any skin ailment. It is a natural humectant and treats skin dryness.
What to do
Apply organic honey to the affected part 2 times every day.
Calendula
Because of its antiseptic properties, calendula is used in many skin creams. It promotes the flow of blood and oxygen, helps the growth of new tissues and speeds the healing process. It is anti-inflammatory and can render you flawless
What to do
Add a few flowers of calendula to a cup of boiling water and steep it for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes strain and let the concoction to dry. Wash the affected area with it regularly.
Baking Soda
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is alkaline. It balances the skin pH and restricts the growth of infection-causing microbes by making the environment unsuitable for the germs to thrive. Baking soda is an excellent skin exfoliator. It removes dead skin cells and makes your skin soft and smooth.
What to do
Take a cup of baking soda and add it to your bathtub filled with water. Soak yourself in it for 20-30 minutes for relief.
Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense essential oil improves skin tenderness, reduces swelling and promotes healing. It is a natural anti-inflammatory.
What to do
Static Crackling On Headphones
Add a few drops of frankincense essential oils to a teaspoon of coconut oil and apply to the affected part. Repeat this two times every day.
Elevate legs
Make a habit of placing your legs higher than the level of your heart while sleeping as well as sitting. This will keep blood from pooling the lower extremities and relieves pressure.
Cool compress
To ease the symptoms of venous eczema try cool compress.
What to do
Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this three times in a day.
Beside the above home remedies for stasis dermatitis, you also need to eliminate extra pound and quit smoking. Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. Limit the intake of common salt and unhealthy fats. Do not stand for long periods and walk regularly. It is also advised to wear compression stockings for relief.