NBCE Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep Guide

Stasis dermatitis is indeed characterized by an eczematous eruption around the ankles and shins. This condition typically occurs in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency, where there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid and blood in the lower extremities. The resultant inflammation can lead to skin changes, including redness, scaling, and oozing, which are characteristic of eczema. As venous pressure increases, fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, leading to irritation and the distinctive rashes found in stasis dermatitis.

The other options, while they can also involve skin irritation, do not specifically localize to the lower legs in the same manner. Contact dermatitis often arises from exposure to irritants or allergens but does not singularly target the ankle and shin region. Atopic dermatitis is more frequently associated with flexural areas and is a part of a broader allergic condition, affecting not just specific regions but widespread body parts, often beginning in childhood. Psoriasis typically presents as well-demarcated, scaly plaques, and it often appears on the elbows and knees rather than localized around the ankles.

Understanding these key differentiations can help one correctly identify stasis dermatitis in the context of skin conditions, especially where vascular factors are involved.