Is It A Bruise Or Something Else?

Here come the warmer temperatures, sunshine and plenty of time outdoors! Now is the time of year when your wardrobe transitions from the cozy layers of winter to the liberating light attire of summer. The excitement may ebb a bit when you remember that you have a large bruise on your leg, but what if it is something else? What you may have is skin staining, a symptom of venous stasis dermatitis.

What is Venous Stasis Dermatitis?

Over our lifetimes, we have come to recognize any purplish or red discoloration on our skin as a bruise, an indication that we have damaged the capillaries in the skin. If you have other symptoms in the area, though, it may be venous stasis dermatitis, a symptom of venous insufficiency. Other symptoms of the condition are:Thick skin

• Itching
• Irritation
• Swelling
• Unusual skin texture
• Crusted or drainage

What Causes Venous Stasis dermatitis?

Venous insufficiency causes blood and fluid to accumulate in the skin and surrounding tissues. When the cause of the fluid buildup is not treated, pressure builds inside the tissues and causes inflammation in the skin. Initially you may notice slight swelling, oozing and redness. As the condition progresses, the skin develops scar tissue known as fibrosis. In the next stage of venous stasis dermatitis, the skin hardens and eventually breaks down to form ulcers.

How is Venous Stasis Dermatitis Treated?

The first step in treating venous stasis dermatitis is to locate the damaged veins that are causing the fluid to build inside your leg. Once the vein has been identified, we provide treatment that destroys the vein so that blood can travel through healthier veins. Compression therapy is an effective treatment for improving the skin once the damaged vein is remedied. Your skin will need time to heal.

Learn More About Venous Stasis Dermatitis. Contact Reeder Vein Institute.

If you have symptoms of venous stasis dermatitis, venous insufficiency, venous ulcers and other vein disorders, contact Reeder Vein Institute to schedule an appointment. Our office is in Dallas, and you can contact us directly at 682-499-5672.