stasis ulcer

stasis ulcer, a necrotic craterlike lesion of the skin of the lower leg caused by chronic venous congestion. The ulcer is often associated with stasis dermatitis and varicose veins. Healing is slow, and care to prevent irritation and infection is essential. Bed rest, elevation, and pressure bandages are usually ordered, and antibiotics if needed for infection. Surgery to improve venous flow may be useful in some cases. Also called varicose ulcer. See also stasis dermatitis.

Stasis ulcer (Black and Hawks, 2009)