When is sclerotherapy recommended for stasis dermatitis?

Stasis dermatitis develops when blood return from the lower legs is impaired, leading to swelling and irritated, discoloured, or flaky skin around the ankles and lower legs. Sclerotherapy closes selected veins that may be contributing to the venous problem; it does not directly cure the inflamed skin. The skin may need separate care, and compression or another vein treatment may be more appropriate after an examination.

Arrange a vascular or dermatology assessment before injection treatment. The clinician may examine pulses, swelling, skin temperature, ulcers, visible veins, and circulation in the leg. Explain itch, pain, heaviness, leakage, previous clots, medicines, and whether the skin is broken. Ask how to protect the skin barrier, manage swelling, use compression safely, and treat any underlying vein problem. Avoid applying irritants to cracked or weeping skin.

Get prompt medical help for a new ulcer, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, or rapidly worsening swelling. Sudden one-sided swelling and pain can require urgent assessment for a clot. Chest pain or breathlessness is an emergency. Do not delay review because a rash may be covering an infection or a circulation problem that needs treatment before a cosmetic injection.

Ask whether the dermatitis is active, which vein problem is contributing, whether sclerotherapy is appropriate now, and how skin inflammation and swelling will be managed before and after treatment.