Stasis Dermatitis and Leg Ulcers

Abstract

Control of venous insufficiency in stasis dermatitis or ulceration, or both, depends on preventing edema.

In stasis dermatitis, bed rest and a 30 degree elevation of the lower extremities may be sufficient to alleviate the edema. Further treatment depends on the severity of the skin eruption, infection, etc.

Principles of managing ulcerations are essentially the same as in stasis dermatitis; however, in addition to resolving the edema it is necessary to maintain a physiologic pressure gradient.

The author describes the pressure-gradient technics which he has used for the past decade in healing stasis ulcers occurring below the knee.