At Commonwealth Vein Center in Virginia, we believe life is too short to suffer from lipodermatosclerosis. For that reason, we are proud to offer several treatment methods to provide you with the help you need and deserve. Keep reading to find out more.
Lipodermatosclerosis is a condition characterized by darkened, hardened skin on the lower legs. It also is referred to as hypodermatitis sclerodermiform or sclerosing panniculitis. If you suffer from this condition, then you may also experience some swelling or redness. The constriction may taper down the calf or shin like an inverted bowling pin or champagne bottle. The condition causes painful irritation to your subcutaneous fat or the fat that sits directly beneath the skin.
There are two types of lipodermatosclerosis. Both acute and chronic forms of this condition may affect one or both of your legs. An acute condition occurs without being prompted by any injury or illness. Inflammation of your inner, lower leg will appear similar to cellulitis and it is quite painful. The affected areas are tender, scaly and red.
This type of condition usually affects people who are middle-aged. Chronic lipodermatosclerosis may follow the acute condition. Chronic conditions are conditions that have lasted three months or more. Common symptoms include varicose veins, leg ulcers, darkening of the skin, severe swelling, localized thickening, and pain.
Lipodermatosclerosis is clinically diagnosed, sometimes using a biopsy. As it develops, tissue in the lower legs may die. In later stages, your skin’s dermis may develop lesions. Dermatopathology may uncover that your leg fat is affected by histological changes in late stages.
Lipodermatosclerosis is idiopathic, meaning the precise cause of the condition is unknown. Suspected causes include obesity, venous hypertension, and venous incompetence.
To get help for lipodermatosclerosis, there are several treatment methods available for you. Commonly, patients are prescribed clobetasol propionate to reduce inflammation and relieve related pain. This is a glucocorticoid class of corticosteroids proven to be highly effective for treating skin conditions. This topical ointment or cream is available as an emollient or traditional cream and is unavailable as an injection.
Losing weight if you are overweight or maintaining a healthy weight if you are not is another commonly recommended treatment method. In severe cases, vein surgery is recommended.The most common treatment method, however, is compression therapy using tight bandaging or compression stockings around the affected portion of the leg(s).
Compression therapy improves venous insufficiency, but there are other treatment techniques you can use in the comfort of your own home. Elevate your legs above your heart when you sleep. Avoid standing or sitting in one place for too long. Get adequate exercise, even if you are at a healthy weight. If this does not help, then ask during your initial consultation about medications to increase blood flow, prevent potentially fatal blood clots and reduce swelling and pain.
To find out more about getting help for your lipodermatosclerosis Richmond VA , contact the friendly professionals at Commonwealth Vein Center in Virginia today to schedule your initial consultation. We can’t wait to help you!
