Stasis dermatitis
See also in: Cellulitis DDxAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
Stasis dermatitis is often associated with pruritus and may also cause an aching or throbbing discomfort. The condition may be complicated by ulceration and infection. Individuals with stasis dermatitis are also 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
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Cellulitis – Generally asymmetric and accompanied by leukocytosis, tachycardia, fever, and tenderness to palpation.
- Xerosis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
- Contact dermatitis – Concomitant contact dermatitis in patients with stasis dermatitis is common, often because these patients self-treat with many topical agents prior to seeking medical attention.
- Erythema nodosum (usually without scale)
- Eczema craquelé
- Atopic dermatitis
- Tinea corporis or pedis – A potassium hydroxide preparation should be performed to rule out this entity.
- Majocchi granuloma
- Necrobiosis lipoidica
- Pretibial myxedema
- Nummular dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Lichen simplex chronicus
- Capillaritis and other pigmented purpuras
- Vasculitis
- Lymphedema
- Acroangiodermatitis
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Last Reviewed:08/28/2018
Last Updated:11/08/2022
Last Updated:11/08/2022
Stasis dermatitis
See also in: Cellulitis DDx