September 21

What is Lipodermatosclerosis and How is it Treated?

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Updated June 14, 2019

Lipodermatosclerosis is a skin condition affecting a person’s lower legs. It is also known as sclerosing panniculitis and hypodermitis sclerodermiform. This condition affects people with a venous insufficiency. It is an inflammation of the subcutaneous fat.

Symptoms of Lipodermatosclerosis

Symptoms of include increased pigmentation and hardening of the skin. Those with this condition should also expect some redness and swelling. The constricted area might resemble a bowling pin or inverted champagne bottle in the way that it tapers down the leg.

To request a consultation click here or call 305-854-1555.

what is lipodermatosclerosis

Types of Lipodermatosclerosis

Lipodermatosclerosis may affect one or both your legs and may be acute or chronic. Acute Lipodermatosclerosis occurs without local injury or a preceding illness. It features a painful inflammation above the ankle in your inner leg and resembles cellulitis. The area that is affected is red, scaly and tender. Patients suffering from this form are mostly middle aged.

Chronic Lipodermatosclerosis develops gradually. Common symptoms include pain, localized thickening, increased pigmentation, edema, varicose veins and leg ulcers.

What Causes Lipodermatosclerosis?

It is not fully clear what causes this type of venous disease. However, it can be associated with obesity, and raised pressure in a patient’s leg veins (venous hypertension) and leaky valves (venous incompetence). Experts say that this disease has an acute phase followed a few months later by a chronic phase.

How is it Diagnosed?

Lipodermatosclerosis is diagnosed clinically and may involve a biopsy. Dermatopathology reveals that histological changes affect the fat depending on what stage the disease has reached.

During the early phases, a patient may have dead tissue in the affected area. Late lesions reveal a change in the dermis of the skin.

How is it Treated?

Compression therapy is the main treatment. This includes using compression stockings or tight bandaging on the affected surface. Other treatments include:

  • Weight loss
  • Vein surgery
  • Clobetasol propionate for reducing inflammation

If you have any questions or think you might have Lipodermatosclerosis, our medical team at Miami Vein Center can help. Led by board certified vascular surgeon Dr. Jose Almeida, we can diagnose your condition and recommend possible treatment options. Contact Miami Vein Center today to schedule your consultation.

To request a consultation click here or call 305-854-1555.

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