Treatment:

You may take the following steps to manage venous insufficiency, which is causing stasis dermatitis:

• Use elastic or compression stockings to reduce swelling
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and keep the leg raised when you sit
• Try varicose vein stripping or other nonsurgical procedures

Caring for and treating the skin can help the problem, or may make it worse. Talk with your health care provider before using any lotions, creams, or antibiotic ointments. Avoid:

• Topical antibiotics, such as neomycin
• Drying lotions, such as calamine
• Lanolin
• Benzocaine and other products meant to numb the skin

Treatments your health care provider may suggest include:

• Wet dressings (use only when instructed)
• Topical steroid creams or ointments
• Oral antibiotics

Expectations (prognosis):

Stasis dermatitis is often a long-term (chronic) condition.

Complications:

• Bacterial skin infections
• Chronic leg ulcers
• Infection of bone
• Permanent scar

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop leg swelling or symptoms of stasis dermatitis. Watch for signs of infection:

• Drainage that looks like pus
• Open skin sores (ulcers)
• Pain
• Redness