Stasis dermatitis is usually chronic, itchy or scaly, associated with swelling and brown discoloration, and often affects both lower legs. Cellulitis is more often acute, tender, warm, expanding, and one-sided, sometimes with fever. They can coexist, so a new hot, painful, rapidly spreading area needs same-day assessment.
Long-standing ankle swelling, itch, scaling, weeping, hardened skin, and reddish-brown discoloration support venous stasis dermatitis. It commonly affects both legs and fluctuates with dependency. Scratching and skin breakdown can still create an entry point for infection.
Cellulitis usually develops over hours to days with tenderness, warmth, swelling, and redness that expands, often on one leg. Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, red streaks, or systemic illness add concern, although fever may be absent.
Contact dermatitis, a blood clot, lymphedema, gout, and arterial disease can mimic either condition. Clinicians use the history and examination and selectively use ultrasound or laboratory testing. Antibiotics treat bacterial cellulitis but do not correct venous hypertension or uncomplicated dermatitis.
Arrange same-day care for rapid spread, significant tenderness, fever, pus, red streaks, a new unilateral swollen leg, or immune suppression. Call 911 for shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, faintness, or severe systemic illness.
Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.