This image displays a patient with chronic leg swelling with stasis dermatitis and a stasis ulcer.
This image displays a patient with chronic leg swelling with stasis dermatitis and a stasis ulcer.
This image displays foot and ankle swelling and inflammation typical of stasis ulcers.
This image displays foot and ankle swelling and inflammation typical of stasis ulcers.
This image displays severe stasis ulcers that result from chronic leg swelling.
This image displays severe stasis ulcers that result from chronic leg swelling.
This image displays a large, superficial ulcer within a red, elevated lesion typical of stasis dermatitis.
This image displays a large, superficial ulcer within a red, elevated lesion typical of stasis dermatitis.
Chronic leg swelling from poor leg vein circulation can lead to skin inflammation and an eventual skin ulcer.
Chronic leg swelling from poor leg vein circulation can lead to skin inflammation and an eventual skin ulcer.
This image displays bright red blood vessels forming under an ulcer typical of a stasis ulcer that is starting to heal.
This image displays bright red blood vessels forming under an ulcer typical of a stasis ulcer that is starting to heal.
This image displays a large area of skin inflammation and skin breakdown on the ankle typical to stasis ulcers.
This image displays a large area of skin inflammation and skin breakdown on the ankle typical to stasis ulcers.

Images of Stasis Ulcer (Venous Ulcer) Information (7)

This image displays a patient with chronic leg swelling with stasis dermatitis and a stasis ulcer.
This image displays foot and ankle swelling and inflammation typical of stasis ulcers.
This image displays severe stasis ulcers that result from chronic leg swelling.
This image displays a large, superficial ulcer within a red, elevated lesion typical of stasis dermatitis.
Chronic leg swelling from poor leg vein circulation can lead to skin inflammation and an eventual skin ulcer.
This image displays bright red blood vessels forming under an ulcer typical of a stasis ulcer that is starting to heal.
This image displays a large area of skin inflammation and skin breakdown on the ankle typical to stasis ulcers.

Stasis Ulcer (Venous Ulcer) Information

A stasis ulcer, also known as a venous ulcer, is an ulcer (a sore that is missing skin) caused by fluid buildup in the skin from poor vein function, called venous insufficiency. In venous insufficiency, fluid leaks from the veins into skin tissue when the blood backs up rather than returning to the heart through the veins.

Who's At Risk?

Venous insufficiency is most common in older adults and in those with certain underlying medical conditions.

Your risk for acquiring a stasis ulcer is greater if you:

  • Are overweight.
  • Are pregnant.
  • Have varicose veins.
  • Have had blood clots in your legs.
  • Had a leg injury (trauma) that might affect blood flow in your leg veins; even minor trauma may cause an ulcer.

Signs & Symptoms

Swelling of the leg, brown skin discoloration, or an itchy, red, rough area (stasis dermatitis) may appear before you notice an ulcer. The ulcer is often seen on the inner ankle area first, although any area on the lower leg may be affected. There may be one or more ulcers, and varicose veins may be present. Sometimes there are hard, tender lumps under the skin near the ulcer.

The ulcer is a crater-like but shallow, irregular area of skin loss. It may be an open, easily bleeding, painful wound, or it might have a thick scab. The level of pain varies.

Self-Care Guidelines

Anyone with a leg ulcer should seek medical care if it is anything beyond a small scrape or cut on the surface of the skin.

If the ulcer appears minor:

  • Clean it with soap and water.
  • Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and a clean gauze bandage.
  • Keep the leg elevated when at rest and wear compression stockings.
  • Avoid putting any tape or adhesive on the skin.
  • Avoid using topical antibiotics and other over-the-counter products, as people with leg ulcers often become allergic to these products.

Treatments

In addition to a thorough examination, your medical professional may do tests to evaluate how well your veins are working.

Treatment for a stasis ulcer may consist of:

  • Compression hose to reduce leg swelling.
  • Medication for any skin inflammation (dermatitis) or infection that is present.
  • Special wound dressings.
  • Removing dead tissue with a scalpel (a procedure called debridement).
  • Surgery for varicose veins if other medical treatment fails.

Visit Urgency

If you have pain, swelling, spreading red areas, fever, or any open wound that does not heal after a few days of self-care, seek medical care.

References

Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.

James WD, Elston D, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019.

Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, et al. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology. 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019.

Last modified on November 7th, 2023 at 9:38 am

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