Stasis dermatitis - Cellulitis DDx
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Synopsis
Stasis dermatitis, also known as venous stasis dermatitis and stasis eczema, is a common condition that affects the lower extremities of individuals with compromised vein function (eg, venous valve insufficiency, venous hypertension). It often presents with the features of subacute eczema (scaly papules and plaques with round erosions and crusts), but acute (weeping) and chronic eczema features (lichenification, scaling, and hyper- and hypopigmentation) may also be seen.
The most common initial location includes the medial malleolus, but it may involve the entire distal lower extremity (gaiter zone) over time. Obesity, congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), history of a leg fracture, prior surgery in the lower extremities or pelvic area, venous hypertension secondary to prolonged standing, and congenital absence of venous valves are known risk factors. Stasis dermatitis is most prevalent in older individuals.
Stasis dermatitis is often associated with pruritus and may cause an aching or throbbing discomfort. The condition can be complicated by ulceration and infection. Individuals with stasis dermatitis are at an increased risk of allergic contact dermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis is often mistaken for cellulitis. Unlike cellulitis, the lesions of stasis dermatitis are often scaly and present bilaterally. While the patient may rarely complain of severe pain and present with a red leg, signs of infection (fever, elevated white blood cell count, and tachycardia) will be absent. Frequently, other signs of venous insufficiency, such as varicosities, will also be apparent on physical examination.
Related topic: stasis ulcer
The most common initial location includes the medial malleolus, but it may involve the entire distal lower extremity (gaiter zone) over time. Obesity, congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), history of a leg fracture, prior surgery in the lower extremities or pelvic area, venous hypertension secondary to prolonged standing, and congenital absence of venous valves are known risk factors. Stasis dermatitis is most prevalent in older individuals.
Stasis dermatitis is often associated with pruritus and may cause an aching or throbbing discomfort. The condition can be complicated by ulceration and infection. Individuals with stasis dermatitis are at an increased risk of allergic contact dermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis is often mistaken for cellulitis. Unlike cellulitis, the lesions of stasis dermatitis are often scaly and present bilaterally. While the patient may rarely complain of severe pain and present with a red leg, signs of infection (fever, elevated white blood cell count, and tachycardia) will be absent. Frequently, other signs of venous insufficiency, such as varicosities, will also be apparent on physical examination.
Related topic: stasis ulcer
Codes
ICD10CM:
I83.10 – Varicose veins of unspecified lower extremity with inflammation
SNOMEDCT:
35498005 – Stasis dermatitis
I83.10 – Varicose veins of unspecified lower extremity with inflammation
SNOMEDCT:
35498005 – Stasis dermatitis
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Last Reviewed:12/05/2022
Last Updated:01/17/2023
Last Updated:01/17/2023
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Stasis dermatitis - Cellulitis DDx
See also in: Overview