Living with lipodermatosclerosis can be a hard thing to do. Fortunately, for those who suffer from this lower leg condition, there are options for lipodermatosclerosis treatment at DHR Health Vein Institute in South Texas.

What Is Lipodermatosclerosis?

Lipodermatosclerosis is a skin condition that affects a person's lower legs. It is a form of panniculitis, which is an inflammation of the layer of fat under the skin. It usually occurs because of venous insufficiency, which is the failure of the veins to circulate blood.

Lipodermatosclerosis can affect one or both legs and can be acute or chronic. It is unknown what causes lipodermatosclerosis, but it can be traced to obesity and vein pressure.

Symptoms

Typically lipodermatosclerosis leads to increased pigmentation and hardening of the skin. It can also lead to pain, swelling, and redness. A person may also see edema, varicose veins, and leg ulcers.

Sometimes, the shape of a person's leg may even change. A person dealing with lipodermatosclerosis may see their leg taper above the ankles, giving the lower leg a "bowling pin" look.

The skin may eventually become more fragile and susceptible to open sores or ulcers.

Lipodermatosclerosis develops gradually. It can also show up without injury or illness.

Lipodermatosclerosisis diagnosed clinically, and the diagnosis process may involve a biopsy.

Options for Lipodermatosclerosis Treatment

There are non-surgical options for lipodermatosclerosis treatment.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy is popular with patients, but even though compression stockings can be purchased over-the-counter, a medical professional should be consulted. A professional will be able to figure out which compression stockings are best for you. He or she will also determine where pressure should be applied.

Pressure needs to be put on the right spots and for the right amount of time to get the best results. Compression stockings or socks improve the blood circulation in the affected area by putting pressure on the veins. That helps encourage proper blood flow.

Diet

Another form of lipodermatosclerosis treatment is weight loss. A patient may be put on such a program to avoid vascular surgery. A proper diet helps a person to avoid all kinds of health issues, and lipodermatosclerosis is no exception. A poor diet can cause issues with circulation.

Exercise

Exercise can help keep the weight off and improve blood circulation. Being active gets the blood flowing properly through any area of the leg affected by lipodermatosclerosis.

Elevation

Patients can also elevate their leg daily and avoid long periods of sitting or standing. That will help regulate blood flow.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy, a medical procedure used to treat veins, may be used as lipodermatosclerosis treatment. Sclerotherapy is performed by injecting the veins with a solution that causes inflammation, coagulation, and narrowing of the vein wall. Once that happens, the vein collapses, and the blood in the vein is forced to find a way through healthier capillaries and veins. The collapsed veins are reabsorbed by the body.

Other treatment options include medication and surgery that helps improve blood flow.

What's the Next Step?

If you're seeking treatment options for your fight with lipodermatosclerosis, reach out to DHR Health Vein Institute in South Texas today to schedule a consultation.